Surgical correction of splay hammer toe deformity (clinical case)

Divergent hammer toe deformity is a combination of evident interrelated multicomponent abnormalities of both anatomy and functions in lesser foot rays impairing the activity of most patients of working age and calling for non-routine methods of surgical correction. This research was aimed at presenting an effective approach to surgical correction of this rare and complicated foot ray pathology. The surgical technique includes the combined intervention on bones, joints, and soft tissues and features the option of reconstruction of the rotation centers as well as both passive and active mechanisms of stabilization in metatarsophalangeal joints. These results enable decreasing the risk of complications such as floating toe syndrome and toe hyperextension that harm the patients’ satisfaction with the treatment. This approach for surgical correction of the divergent hammer toe deformity is an effective and reproducible method that has been used in our department. The progress of surgical correction methods for lesser foot rays is still a relevant issue; their primary objectives are the reduction of stiffness risk and intensity in the metatarsophalangeal joint.