Based on the results of your interview, examination, and imaging studies, you can expect a custom care plan catered specifically to you.

Many people believe it’s best to wait until pain and deformity becomes severe, leading them to “put off” or delay treatments like hammertoe correction, bunionectomy, or lapiplasty. If you are in constant discomfort, have shooting or stabbing pains, have limited range of motion, or an inability to perform your daily activities, this may indicate that it’s time for more extensive measures like a joint fusion. New technologies allow patients with severe foot and ankle pain to fully recover and enjoy the benefits of a more functional, pain-free lifestyle.

Prior to surgery, you will typically receive at least 2 phone calls:

1. A hospital registration representative will call to gather insurance and other personal information.
2. A registered nurse will call to review your health history and medication information.

Dependent on your health history, your physician may require:

• Pre-surgical laboratory tests
• X-rays
• Primary care clearance

Pre-operative instructions will vary depending on your physician and the location of your surgery. Always check with your physician before surgery for specific instructions.

Most physicians require that patients not eat or drink after midnight prior to surgery. Additionally, you will need to designate a family member or friend to drive you home on the day you are released from the hospital. Surgical patients cannot drive themselves home.

If you schedule your surgery with a KCOA physician, you can expect the following on surgery day: 

• A receptionist will check you in at the hospital registration desk.
• A nurse will take you back and prepare you for surgery. They will start an IV, prepare the surgical site, and review your medical history and medications.
• Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will visit with you prior to your operation.
• The surgical team will take you to the operation suite for surgery.

Depending on the individual needs of the patient, our surgeons can select from a few options to correct your hammertoe or bunion issue.

Bunion issues can be corrected with procedures such as Lapiplasty, Bunion issues can be corrected with procedures such as Lapiplasty (link) or traditional bunionectomy. Traditional bunionectomy typically involves cutting and realigning the bone and repairing the surrounding soft tissue.

With hammertoe deformities, if your toe can be straightened, known as a flexible hammertoe, your issue can be corrected by cutting the tendon in the toe allowing it to straighten more easily, or transferring tendon from the bottom of your toe to the top portion. Similarly, this helps ensure that the toe maintains the proper position.

If the toe cannot be straightened, known as fixed hammertoe, it means your joint has become contracted to the point that releasing or transferring the tendon can’t restore proper alignment. At this point, your surgeon will remove bone to straighten the toe. Once the bone is removed, your surgeon may use pins or screws to fuse the toe in its proper alignment.

Recovery timelines will vary based on various different factors, including age, activity level, goals, how closely you follow your post-op instructions, and more.

Post hammertoe surgery, many patients can place their full weight on their foot without needing crutches or other assistance devices. Patients may need to use a walking boot or specialized orthotic device in the aftermath of their surgery. Rest and elevation will also play a role in your recovery, as patients will need to elevate their foot to aid in swelling control for at least a few days following surgery. After 2-3 weeks, your KCOA provider will remove the stitches used for surgery and remove any temporary pins from your toe.

Full recovery may take several weeks, depending on the type of hammertoe surgery performed. To help aid in your recovery, make sure that you follow all postoperative instructions, including any diet and exercise recommendations given by your care team.

Bunion correction procedures normally require patients to wear a splint or boot following surgery for several weeks. In most instances you won’t be able to put full weight through your leg, so you may need crutches, a walker or scooter to get around. Initially, controlling soreness and swelling are keys to an optimal recovery. Elevating your leg and using ice can be really helpful.

After a few weeks, you may progress to more traditional footwear, only at the direction of your surgeon. Physical therapy may be ordered to aid in the recovery.