What is Kellers (unilateral)

Your toe is out of shape. It is called a hammer toe. The first joint of your toe sticks out. It usually makes finding comfortable shoes difficult. The top of your toe may be red and sore.

The Operation

You will have a general anaesthetic, and will be asleep for the whole operation. Your toe will be straightened. This is done by removing the joint of the toe. This is either called fusion of the toe, or arthrodesis. A cut is made over the top of your abnormal joint. The surfaces of the joint are then removed. The toe may be held in its correct position with a stout wire. This is known as a K-wire. This passes down from the end of the toe and across the joint to be fused. The skin is then closed up with stitches. After your operation, you will not be able to bend the toe joint.