An evaluation of operative procedures in the treatment of hammer toe

Eighty per cent of 63 patients who had undergone 136 surgical corrections of hammer toes in the 6 years prior to this study were improved by operation. In adults proximal phalangectomy was the most successful procedure to relieve symptoms and is suggested as the operation of choice. Flexor to extensor tendon transfer was successful in children but not in adults. It is proposed that the operation be performed in an out-patient basis whenever possible.