Percutaneous Flexor Tenotomy Plus Plantar Capsule Release for Rigid Hammertoe: A Cadaveric Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rigid hammertoe deformities in diabetic patients present a therapeutic challenge: percutaneous tenotomy often fails to address capsular contractures, whereas arthrodesis carries an elevated risk of complications. We hypothesized that combining tenotomy with plantar capsule release would provide effective correction while preserving neurovascular structures. This study evaluates the feasibility correction magnitude and vascular safety of this technique through a cadaveric model.

Methods

We perfused 10 clinical-grade lower-limb cadaveric specimens, possessing 14 rigid hammertoes (N = 14), with an India ink-latex mixture to highlight vascular structures. Specimens with significant pathology or prior forefoot surgeries were excluded. The angle of the hammertoe deformi

SUBMITTER: Power M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12719580 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature