[Needle-based flexor tenotomies performed by diabetologists in routine clinics - simple and safe]

Deformities such as hammer and claw toes are common in people with diabetes and neuropathy. These deformities increase pressure on the tip of toes, leading to callosity and subsequent pressure ulcers. Conventional flexor tenotomy has been shown to decrease the risk of pressure ulcers. During the first decade of the 21 century, a less traumatizing percutaneous method was introduced, and more recently a needle-based minimal flexor tenotomy method. In this paper, based on the outcome of 164 consecutive needle-based flexor tenotomies performed by diabetologists in routine clinics, we verify the simplicity and safety of this inexpensive method.