Prospective review of medium term outcomes following interpositional arthroplasty for hammer toe deformity correction.
BACKGROUND
Hammer toe is a common lesser toe deformity that is usually found to affect the second toe. A number of procedures have been applied in its surgical management with varying results but there is still no consensus on the best technique.


METHODS
We prospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients treated with interpositional arthroplasty, early mobilisation and with a minimal follow up of 6 months. We measured outcome using the Manchester Oxford foot and ankle questionnaire and a global impression of change score.


RESULTS
There was a high level of satisfaction with the resulting pain relief and the type of footwear worn thereafter. We had no complications in terms of infection or chronic pain. There were no early recurrences within our follow up period.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall we demonstrate good to excellent results with this surgical tactic allowing pain relief, early mobilisation and a low risk of infection.
Worthing Hospital, Worthing BN11 2DH, United Kingdom. odiero7@hotmail.com
Mordicai
M
Atinga
Laurie
L
Dodd
Julian
J
Foote
Simon
S
Palmer
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D037801:Hammer Toe Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult