Correction of hammer toe surgery deformity by Z-plasty and bone graft.

Some of the older orthopedic techniques for correcting hammer toes and corns called for major resection or even total resection of a phalanx of the toe. The late result of some of these procedures was a deformed, flail, or contracted toe on the dorsum of the foot. The patient described had such deformities on both little toes. Surgical correction included Z-plasties for the skin, extensor tendon resection, and bone grafts. Three-year follow-up has shown the technique to be a safe and satisfactory long-term method of reconstruction.