Small Toe Surgery
What is small toe surgery?
The small toes can become deformed overtime, due to repetitive pressure on the joints. Small toe surgery involves an operation to help straighten a deformed and problematic small toe. If required, multiple small toes can be operated on at the same time or small toe surgery can be performed in-conjunction with bunion surgery.
An operation is only recommended as a last resort, once non-operative treatment measures for small toe deformities have been exhausted and if your symptoms remain significant. Small toe surgery is not recommended for cosmetic reasons or to avoid problems that are not yet present.
What happens during a small toe surgery?
In most cases the operation is performed under general anaesthetic (whilst you are asleep). Alternatively, you can have a regional anaesthetic, which just numbs the leg.
The exact operation is individualised for each patient. It depends on the position of the small toe and whether it can be manually straightened. One to two surgical cuts are made around each small toe that needs straightening. The common operative procedures for small toe surgery are mentioned below.
A deformed and stiff small toe usually requires the deformed or bent joint to be fused together (inter-phalangeal joint fusion). A small piece of bone is removed from each side of the joint, the small toe is then straightened and held together with a screw, implant device or temporary wire. This allows natural bone healing, to fuse the small toe straight.
A tendon procedure can be performed with a joint fusion or in isolation. These procedures include a tendon release, tendon lengthening or a tendon transfer. Also, if you experience related discomfort on the ball of your foot (metatarsalgia), you may benefit from a bone in your foot (metatarsal) being cut, shortened and fixed with a screw.
Once the operation is completed the wounds are closed with stitches, local anaesthetic is given to provide pain relief for the first few hours after surgery then a bulky bandage along with a surgical sandal is applied.
What are the risks of small toe surgery?
The risks of any operation generally relate to the anaesthetic and the surgical procedure.
You will be able to discuss your anaesthetic options and associated risks with the anaesthetist before your surgery. With a general anaesthetic, the risks will vary depending on your general health.
The main surgical risks of small toe surgery are listed below, but it is not exhaustive. These will be further explained in the outpatient clinic.
Swelling– The foot will swell after surgery in response to the surgery and the healing process. It will take more than six months for the swelling to settle.
Failure of fusion – There is a 5-10% risk your small toe will not fuse together. Occasionally it may need to be rectified with a second operation. Patients who smoke are at a much higher risk of this complication. We will therefore ask you to stop smoking (including nicotine vapes) before surgery and while your small toe is fusing together. We can direct you to services that can help with smoking cessation.
Mal-position– When the small toe is straightened it may not be in the correct position. Great care is taken during surgery to avoid this complication. Also, the small toe deformity can gradually recur overtime. If the position is problematic some patients may consider further surgery to adjust this.
Nerve injury – With an operation there is always a small risk of injuring or stretching the surrounding nerves, which can lead to numbness. These symptoms mostly resolve in time, but they can persist.
Infection– The wounds usually heal within two weeks. In a small number of cases the wounds become infected. The majority are minor infections that can be simply treated with antibiotics. Occasionally, some patients can develop a deeper infection that might require another operation.
Blood clots (leg or lung) – There is small risk of developing a blood clot after foot surgery. Measures are taken to reduce the chance of this happening but cannot be completely avoided.
Chronic regional pain syndrome – Following foot and ankle surgery a small proportion of patients can develop chronic regional pain syndrome. Your foot becomes indefinitely painful, swollen and sensitive. If you develop this, you may require specialist care from a pain consultant.
What happens after my operation?
When will I go home after surgery?
Most patients can go home on the same day of surgery. You may require an overnight hospital stay, if you have other significant medical problems or had multiple procedures on your foot.
Can I walk on the foot?
After the operation you can fully weight bear through the operated leg. Before you go home the physiotherapist will make sure you are safe to get around on crutches. It is important to wear the surgical sandal continuously for six weeks to protect the operated area.
In the first few weeks keep your leg elevated as much as possible to help reduce the swelling and aid wound healing. It is important that your bandage remans dry and you may find using a waterproof cover helpful (www.limboproducts.com).
When will I be followed-up in clinic?
You will be seen two weeks after surgery in the outpatient clinic. Your wound will be checked, the stitches removed and the surgical sandal re-applied. You are required to wear the surgical sandal continuously for a further four weeks.
If you had a temporary wire to hold your small toe straight it is removed at four weeks after surgery. You will then be seen six weeks after surgery with an X-ray. If everything is progressing well, you will can then start wearing your own footwear. An accommodative soft trainer is best. You can be referred to our specialist physiotherapists and further appointments will depend on your individual progress.
When can I go back to work?
If you have a sedentary job (desk based) and can elevate your foot, you can return to work two weeks after surgery. If you have a more physically strenuous job, you may need longer off work.
When can I drive?
You can start driving when you are comfortably walking in your own footwear. If you cannot safely make an emergency stop, your insurance will not cover you in the event of an accident. Start by sitting in the car and trying the pedals, then drive round the block. Drive short distances before long ones. If you are having surgery on your left leg and drive an automatic car, you could consider driving sooner, but only if you are safe to do so.
When can I return to full activity levels?
It varies how quickly people can take up exercise again. You should though avoid high impact exercises for 12 weeks and return gradually as your comfort levels allow.
When can I fly after surgery?
If you are flying after recent surgery you are at an increased risk of developing a blood clot in one of the deep veins in your body, usually the leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). Please ask your surgeon for individual guidance on how long to delay flying after your surgery. Also, each airline has its own regulations about flying after surgery and you will need to check with your airline before flying.
Wellbeing Advice
Patients that have a healthy diet, take regular exercise and refrain from smoking are more likely to experience a quicker recovery with a more successful outcome from their surgery.
Taking vitamin C supplements for six weeks before surgery and six weeks after surgery can also be beneficial. You can purchase them from your local pharmacy or supermarket.
If you have any concerns about your general health and well-being (diet, exercise, smoking cessation) you are encouraged to discuss this with your GP, who will be able to provide advice on the options available to you.
We hope this leaflet has answered any questions you might have. If you have any further queries, please feel free to discuss them with any of the medical or nursing staff.
Testimonials
My condition had deteriorated to the point that I was unable to walk for extended periods of time without pain and swelling of the ankle, and I would rarely be able to join in most family activities. The support and guidance provided by Mr Ramasamy were exemplary and enabled me to make a fully informed decision regarding the options available to me. Now, the pain is much more manageable and the stability that the treatment has provided is such that I feel that I regained a significant part of my life and as such my confidence.
I found Mr Ramasamy extremely professional and reassuring. On the day of my procedure I received the most efficient, organised and professional care in my life. Your nurses were the best I have ever experienced. Mr Ramasamy’s team, in theatre made me feel at ease and made the whole procedure more bearable. They go way beyond the extra mile for their patients.
I wanted to share my excellent experiences and compliment Mr Ramasamy and his team. I found him extremely professional and reassured that he understood how much pain I was in. On the day of my procedure, it was the most efficient, organized and professional care I have ever received – from checking into reception to being allocated a bay and taken into theatre – your nurses in the recovery area were the best I have ever received. Mr Ramasay’s team, especially in theatre, made me feel at ease, kept me informed throughout the whole procedure and made the whole procedure more bearable.
Frequently Asked Questions
After your appointment you will be emailed an invoice to be paid within 30 days via a bank transfer.
Our practice is covered by the major healthcare insurance providers. If you have private medical insurance, please contact your insurer to confirm that you are covered for your consultation and imaging appointments and whether you will need a GP referral. Please do this prior to seeing your Consultant. Your insurance company will provide you with an authorisation code which we will need when booking your appointment, along with your policy or membership details. All of this information can be obtained from your insurance company.
Depending on your specific insurance policy you may liable for some of the costs and there may be certain outpatient treatments such as joint injections and blood tests that may not be fully covered by your insurance policy. Please note, even if you are privately insured, you are entirely responsible for all of your consultants’ fees and that the contract you undertake is with your consultant and not your insurance company.
In most cases, your outpatient costs should be covered by your insurance company, but please check as this can vary depending on your individual insurance and excess policy. If you are a self-pay, new appointments are £250 and follow up appointments are £175.
If you have not seen the Consultant previously for this problem, you have a different problem or if it is more than 1 year since your last appointment then please book a new appointment.
If you are claiming through your health insurance, they may require a referral from your GP or therapist before authorising your consultation and treatment. If you are unsure then please call 01908 014 486 or email us on admin@mercuryfootandankle.clinic and one our team will be able to assist you. If you are paying for treatment yourself then you do not need a referral letter.
To arrange an appointment with one of our Consultants, please call 01908 014 486 or email us on admin@mercuryfootandankle.clinic
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