Pin Removal After Hammertoe Surgery Luxe Foot Surgery

For a toe to stay in the correct position, temporary pins are sometimes inserted during the hammertoe surgery. Will they be used in your procedure? It depends on the correction that is required. Still, if a doctor decides to place them, you’ll have to go through a pin removal after hammertoe surgery. We can help you learn what to expect from this process.

How Long Do Pins Stay In Toe After Hammertoe Surgery?

Pins are usually removed from the toe between four and six weeks post-surgery. It’s one of the hammertoe treatment options used when a defected toe loses all its flexibility and becomes rigid. In this case, the surgeon often uses joint resection or fusion techniques.

The pins are required to help the bones grow together – after they do, the pins are removed. They are the best surgical solution with more advanced cases of hammertoes. With their help, surgeons are able to achieve much straighter appearing toes.

After they are inserted, on the top of the operated toe (or toes), you’ll notice a small ball – it is there to keep those pins protected. Make sure you touch it as little as possible.

Your doctors should remove the bandages and look at the toe’s condition two to three weeks after the procedure. If you had pins inserted, they should examine their position as well. If you see that the pin has moved or if it falls out, contact your doctor immediately.

Is It Painful to Have Pin Removal After Hammertoe Surgery?

As we said, the pin will remain in your toe for several weeks, after which it should be removed. It’s usually done in the office, with the help of a specially designed tool, and anesthesia is not needed. There are no reasons to be afraid. The procedure itself is generally not painful since these pins begin to loosen on their own during the recovery.

Some patients can experience a jolt of pain when the doctor turns the pin before removing it – but even if you do, it will last only for a moment. More often than not, instead of sharp pain, you’ll experience only a bit of pressure.

What Should You Do After the Pins Are Removed?

After the doctor removes the pins, you should learn how to keep the toe in the correct position by yourself by splinting or taping the toe. The doctor should show you how to do it properly and provide you with information on how long you should do it. Usually, this kind of care is required only for a couple of additional weeks after the pins are removed.

After the procedure, a patient is usually given a cast or special shoe to protect the operated toe. However, you can switch to regular footwear after the doctor takes off the pins.

As for further activities, such as walking or driving after hammertoe surgery and pin removal, consult with your doctor. Still, make sure you often rest and allow your foot to heal properly. Although general recovery lasts for about six weeks, keep in mind that a whole year may pass before you reach full recovery.

You can help the recovery process and avoid problems after hammertoe surgery by buying better-fitting footwear and practicing physical therapy. Some toe exercises can help with circulation, scar tissue, toe strength, and flexibility, but make sure you consult the specialist about the right time to start doing them.

For More Information About Pin Removal, Make Sure You Consult Your Surgeon

It’s best to contact your surgeon and schedule a consultation to see if the pins are necessary in the first place. Some hammertoe surgeries can be done without inserting the pins – the doctor will decide if they are required for you. If the answer is yes, then the surgeon will provide you with all the information about the recovery process, including pin removal and everything concerning it.

Our team at Lux Foot Surgery is ready to help with all the questions you may have. Hammertoe surgery is one of our specialties, and we have all the answers concerning hammertoe surgery and the pin removal process as a part of it – so don’t hesitate to contact us.

We are available Monday through Thursday from 9 PM to 6 PM and Fridays from 9 PM to 5 PM. Fill out our online form or give us a call, and we will provide you with a professional consultation free of charge. Together we can come up with the best possible solution for your foot problem.

FAQ

What Happens After Pins Are Removed?

After the pins are removed, a doctor will advise you to keep the toe in the right position with the help of a splint or tape – and show you how. If it’s time to remove the pins, it means that the bones have fused, and the recovery from hammertoe surgery is going as it should.

Still, it doesn’t mean you can get back to regular activities immediately after removing the pins. Consult with the doctor when you can start driving, taking long walks, or exercising after the surgery.

Do They Numb You to Remove Pins?

Typically, no anesthesia is needed during the pin removal process. It is painless for most patients, so expect to feel slight pressure while the pins are removed. Even if you have low pain tolerance, you should not experience any severe pain during this process. However, if you have any fears, don’t hesitate to share them with your doctor.