I have been given the option of having my hammertoe amputated instead of the usual surgery by my podiatrist. He says he doesn't offer this to younger people, but ones who have opted for it seem satisfied. What is your take on this?
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What did you decide? I have had hammertoe surgery many years ago on 2 toes which came out very good. 4+months ago I had the surgery again on another toe, other foot. It has not healed yet and I am in a lot of pain walking, on the bottom of the 'joint'. The dr. says the bone didn't knit, but it doesn't in 25% of people and that is usually not a problem as it just fills in with scar tissue. I am a very active 50 year old hiker--extremely active, and this has been scary for me. The dr. says to wait one more month and then he will amputate the toe at that last joint, basically removing the bone.
That seems a good idea for the bone pain but I am worried about 1. another surgery that doesn't come out well and 2. what will happen to me when I hike. This is my 4th toe.
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My surgeon said the main reason bones don't fuse is NSAID use - bones must have inflammation to fuse. Also, consider using a bone growth stimulator from day 1 after the surgery, although insurance won't pay. I got a successful fusion following these two things.
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