Hammertoe
ToeMATE® Hammertoe Correction System
Until now, the standard for treating hammertoes was with k-wires due to its less expensive cost and ease of use. However, there are many downfalls for the patient to have their hammertoe corrected with a k-wire, such as increased risk of infection, bumping the k-wires during daily activities resulting in additional pain and discomfort, failure or loosening, and anxiety with removal. These k-wires will remain in your toe(s) for up to 6 weeks while you heal (see image below), after which, the surgeon will surgically remove these k-wires.
So, what exactly is a hammertoe deformity? It’s essentially a contracted toe that develops from having the toes bent abnormally for extended periods of time; a hammertoe can occur in any one of the toes and usually occurs in conjunction with bunions and will affect multiple toes at once. The ToeMATE® system was designed based on proven HemiCAP® technology to provide a very strong and stable fixation of the joint. The innovative ToeMATE® implant system consists of two screws and a pin that locks the two screws in place. Each screw is implanted in either side of the affected joint and is interconnected via the center locking pin that gives the system its strength, stiffness and stability. Patients who do not like the idea of having pins sticking out of their toes for a period of up to 6 weeks after hammertoe surgery are ideal candidates for the ToeMATE® Hammertoe implants, which are completely embedded in the toes. There is no need for a revision or removal surgery after implantation. Following surgery patients can continue to maintain a pain-free, active lifestyle with great-looking toes.
The ToeMATE® implants are offered in multiple sizes to fit all of the lesser toes of the foot. These implants are completely embedded inside the patients toes unlike traditional hammertoe procedures where pins can protrude out from inside the foot for up to 6 weeks after surgery. The ToeMATE® instrumentation is designed to:
- Be provided as a sterile, one time use disposable system
- Minimize the chance of infection
- Shorten surgical time
- Eliminate any possible implantation errors
- Ease of surgeon use
The implants are clinically proven to be very stiff and provide a strong and stable system that will not loosen once implanted. The system components are also designed for easy removal in case a revision surgery is desired. All of these features are to minimize pain and discomfort that is known to be associated with traditional hammertoe correction devices. Many other hammertoe correction systems require special handling, provided frozen require the use of surgical power tools such as drills and pin drivers while the ToeMATE® system is implanted by hand.
If your doctor has diagnosed you with a Hammertoe Deformity, you may be a candidate for the ToeMATE® Procedure if you:
- Suffer from severe pain caused by a hammertoe deformity
- Are looking to get your aesthetically pleasing and attractive toes back
- Cannot walk without pain due to a hammertoe deformity
- Have Pain & Stiffness due to a hammertoe deformity
- Looking to maintain an active lifestyle
- Want the ability to wear normal shoes again
- Do not want pins sticking out of your toes for up to 6 weeks
- Aged 18 years or older
*Seek professional medical advice for specific personal care.