• 1

    Dunn JE, Link CL, Felson DT, et al: Prevalence of foot and ankle conditions in a multiethnic community sample of older adults. Am J Epidemiol 159: 491, 2004.

  • 2

    Taylor RG: An operative procedure for the treatment of hammer-toe and claw-toe. J Bone Joint Surg 22: 608, 1940.

  • 3

    Atinga M, Dodd L, Foote J, et al: Prospective review of medium term outcomes following interpositional arthroplasty for hammer toe deformity correction. Foot Ankle Surg 17: 256, 2011.

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 4

    Angirasa AK, Barrett MJ, Silvester D: SmartToe implant compared with Kirschner wire fixation for hammer digit corrective surgery: a review of 28 patients. J Foot Ankle Surg 51: 711, 2012.

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Web of Science
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 5

    Coughlin MJ, Dorris J, Polk E: Operative repair of the fixed hammertoe deformity. Foot Ankle Int 21: 94, 2000.

  • 6

    Boffeli TJ, Thompson JC, Tabatt JA: Two-pin fixation of proximal interphalangeal joint fusion for hammertoe correction. J Foot Ankle Surg 55: 480, 2016.

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Web of Science
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 7

    Sullivan JP, Catherine CL: Digital arthrodesis of the lesser toes. Clin Podiatr Med Surg 34: 289, 2017.

  • 8

    Harris W IV, Mote GA, Malay DS: Fixation of the proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis with the use of an intraosseous loop of stainless-steel wire suture. J Foot Ankle Surg 48: 411, 2009.

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Web of Science
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

Intraosseous Technique for Correction of Hammertoe Deformity

Trent Lott Town Center Foot Clinic, Happy Valley, OR.

Search for other papers by Trent Lott in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DPM
,
Charles Penvose Foot and Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio, Columbus, OH.

Search for other papers by Charles Penvose in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DPM
, and
Gregory Alvarez Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia, Decatur, GA.

Search for other papers by Gregory Alvarez in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DPM

Hammertoe deformities are among the most common conditions treated by foot and ankle surgeons. Many different types of proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis fixation techniques have been used. These include implant fixation, absorbable fixation, screw fixation, two-pin fixation, and single–Kirschner wire fixation. Each of these has their own set of associated advantages and disadvantages. One of the most common techniques to address hammertoe deformity is the use of Kirschner wires. Although Kirschner wires have been reliable and produced good outcomes, there are some drawbacks associated with their use. Some disadvantages include wire failure (bending/breaking), infection, and patient anxiety associated with removal. One of the more challenging aspects with using a single Kirschner wire for fixation is stability. Pistoning and rotational instability may occur with single–Kirschner wire use. Both pistoning and lack of rotational control can lead to nonunion, fibrous union, malunion, and ultimately patient dissatisfaction. The suturedesis technique is a surgical option that may be considered when a surgeon attempts to address these disadvantages. The authors believe this technique can adequately bring stability to the frontal plane and eliminate pistoning, which may lead to better fusion rates, better postoperative alignment, and better patient satisfaction. This article outlines the authors’ surgical technique of suturedesis in correcting hammertoe deformity.

Corresponding author: Trent Lott, DPM, Town Center Foot Clinic, 8305 SE Monterey Ave #101, Happy Valley, OR, 97086. (E-mail: lottdpm@gmail.com)
Save