title: "Pilot Hole" Technique for Interphalangeal Joint Fusion of Toes.
abstract: Fusion of an interphalangeal joint of a lesser toe is a commonly used procedure for addressing interphalangeal joint deformities such as a hammer or a claw toe. Fusion can be achieved by insertion of an intramedullary Kirschner wire in a retrograde manner. Deviation of the Kirschner wire from the intramedullary canal into the surrounding soft tissues is common. This can render the fusion unstable and can cause painful soft-tissue irritation and early Kirschner wire loosening, resulting in an unstable nonunion with recurrence of deformity. We describe a simple and reproducible technique to assist with optimal intramedullary placement of the Kirschner wire, thereby reducing the risk of complications after interphalangeal joint fusion of a toe.
authors.forename: Nikhil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Morley
authors.forename: Dev
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Damany
mesh_terms: D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D001864:Bone Wires; D037801:Hammer Toe Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D061646:Operative Time; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016896:Treatment Outcome