Percutaneous Flexor Tenotomy-Office Procedure for Diabetic Toe Ulcerations

Area of Science:

• Podiatric surgery
• Diabetic foot complications
• Lesser toe deformities

Background:

• Lesser toe deformities (hammertoes, mallet toes, claw toes) are common.
• In diabetic patients, these deformities cause pressure points, leading to calluses and ulcers.
• Conservative treatments offer limited success and recurrent ulcerations are common.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a minimally invasive surgical technique for correcting severe lesser toe deformities.
• To evaluate the efficacy of closed or percutaneous flexor tenotomy in diabetic patients with insensate feet and ulcerations.
• To demonstrate an office-based procedure for offloading pressure and preventing amputations.

Main Methods:

• Step-by-step illustration of the closed or percutaneous flexor tenotomy procedure.
• Focus on correcting deformities in patients with diabetes and insensate feet.
• Office-based surgical approach.

Main Results:

• The procedure effectively corrects severe lesser toe deformities.
• Offloads pressure points, reducing the risk of ulceration.
• Demonstrates rapid healing and potential to prevent lower extremity amputations.

Conclusions:

• Closed or percutaneous flexor tenotomy is a definitive treatment for severe lesser toe deformities in diabetic patients.
• This office-based procedure is effective in correcting deformities, managing ulcerations, and preventing amputations.
• The technique offers a valuable solution for improving outcomes in the insensate diabetic foot.