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Lesser toe deformities are a common
cause of FOOTPAIN, affecting patients of all ages. The main complaint
is usually pressure from footwear, where the toe rubs against the shoe
or pressure of toes rubbing together.
Can toe deformities be treated
without surgery?
Yes, some problems can be treated
with the use of silicone toe props or shields. These devices work best
with flexible deformities.
If conservative treatment is not
successful then you may need surgery.
About lesser toe surgery
All lesser toe surgery can be
performed as a day case under local Anaesthesia. For an isolated toe
problem, only that toe need be numbed. The aim of surgery will be to
restore the toe alignment and reduce any pressure on bony prominences.
The operation will take about twenty
minutes and you will leave hospital wearing a special shoe and
dressing. Most patients report little or no post operative pain
following the surgery.
Arthroplasty
This is a very simple procedure which
involves the removal of a small piece of bone from one side of the toe
joint. After removal of the piece of bone the toe position can be
corrected and held in the desired position by soft tissues.
Arthrodesis
This procedure involves removal of
the cartilage from both sides of the joint and the desired position is
maintained by the use of a small wire. The wire remains in place for
up to four weeks in which time the bones will have healed together and
at this point the wire is removed, as a out patients procedure. The
toe will now be fused in the desired position
The main complication of lesser toe
surgery is swelling; the toe may remain swollen for some time after
the operation |
