summary Hammer Toe is a lesser toe deformity characterized by PIP flexion, DIP extension and MTP slight extension. Diagnosis is made clinically with the presence of a rigid or flexible lesser toe with PIP flexion, DIP extension and MTP slight extension. Treatment is a trial of nonoperative management with shoe modification. Surgical management is indicated for progressive deformity, fixed contractures, and dorsal toe ulcerations. Epidemiology Incidence most common deformity of lesser toes Demographics more common in older women Anatomic location 2nd toes usually affected Etiology Pathoanatomy plantar plate injury overpull of EDL imbalance of intrinsics Associated conditions painful corns at dorsal PIP joint Classification Claw toe vs. Hammer toe vs. Mallet toe Claw toe Hammer toe Mallet toe DIP Flexion Extension Flexion PIP Flexion Flexion Normal MTP Hyperextension Slight extension Normal Presentation Symptoms pain on dorsal surface with shoe wear deformity Physical exam flexion deformity of the PIP joint of the lesser toes with extension of DIP ankle plantar flexion flexible deformity corrects fixed deformity does not correct with ankle plantar flexion push up test flexible deformity is reducible with dorsal directed pressure on the plantar aspect of the involved metatarsal effect of over active extrinsics is removed Imaging Imaging not required in diagnosis and treatment Treatment Nonoperative shoes with high toe boxes, foam or silicone gel sleeves indications pain and or corns on dorsal PIP Operative flexor tendon (FDL) to EDL tendon transfer indications flexible deformity that has failed nonoperative management PIP resection arthroplasty +/- tenotomy and tendon transfers indications rigid deformity that has failed nonoperative management Girdlestone procedure with FDL to EDL transfer indications MTP involvement similar to claw toe treatment EDL Z-lengthening or tenotomy indications mild MTP hyperextension EDL Z-lengthening and dorsal capsular release ndications moderate to severe MTP hyperextension PIPJ arthrodesis indications an option in rigid deformity outcomes high nonunion rate treat concurrent forefoot deformities correct hallux valgus (for 2nd hammer toe) arthrodesis for severe hallux valgus amputation for severe hallux valgus touching 3rd toe indications elderly poor health does not want hallux reconstruction Techniques Resection arthroplasty +/- tenotomy and tendon transfers resection of head and neck of proximal phalanx to create a fibrous joint +/- FDL to EDL transfer hold in place with K-wire for 2-3 weeks postoperative protect for additional 3 weeks with taping of PIP in extension Girdlestone procedure (flexor to extensor transfer) extensor tendon lengthening with Z plasty perform MTP capsule release +/- metatarsal shortening with oblique osteotomy FDL to EDL transfer