Many thanks to our guest blogger, Dr. Mathew M. John, DPM, FACFAS of the Ankle & Foot Centers, PC

Surgery involves different levels of procedures which may range from a simple tenotomy (cutting of the tendon for mild hammertoes) to an arthrodesis (fusion of the contracted toe joint). Typically rigid hammertoes require an arthrodesis or an arthroplasty (removal of the joint). The standard of fixation for an arthrodesis has been an external K wire which is usually kept in place following surgery for 6 weeks and then subsequently removed in the surgeon’s office. Certain hammertoe conditions can corrected with an internal arthrodesis implant that avoids the need for an external wire. One occasional complication following hammertoe surgery is scar contracture causing an elevated toe that does not grip (purchase) the ground. In these instances stretching the scar tissue with a Dynasplint Toe device is extremely beneficial. It allows for a prolonged stretch of scar tissue to bring the toe down and can be utilized in conjunction with physical therapy. In the past many foot surgeons would require revision surgery for an elevated toe follow hammertoe correction. The Dynasplint Toe device alleviates the need to immediately go to surgery which is the last option for many patients who are still recovering from the original surgery. In my practice I use a Dynasplint often to minimize the risk of Toe Elevatus following hammertoe correction and would recommend it to anyone undergoing hammertoe surgery.