Name of the Procedure:

Resection, Partial or Complete, Phalangeal Base, Each Toe Common names: Toe bone resection, Toe phalanx surgery
Medical term: Phalangectomy

Summary

This surgical procedure involves the removal of part or all of the base of a phalange (a bone in the toe). It is performed to relieve pain, correct deformities, or address other issues within the toe.

Purpose

The procedure addresses deformities, infections, tumors, or traumatic injuries of the toe bones. The goals are to relieve pain, improve toe function, and correct structural abnormalities.

Indications

• Severe toe deformities (e.g., hammer toe, claw toe)
• Chronic pain that does not respond to conservative treatments
• Infections or abscesses within the bone
• Bone tumors or cysts
• Traumatic bone injuries

Preparation

• Fasting for a specific period before the surgery (usually 6-8 hours)
• Stopping certain medications, such as blood thinners, as advised by your physician
• Pre-operative physical examination and possible imaging tests like X-rays

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is comfortable.
2. Incision: A small incision is made over the affected toe.
3. Resection: The surgeon removes the affected part or entirety of the phalangeal base using specialized surgical instruments.
4. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures, and a sterile dressing is applied.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Setting

The surgery is usually performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Orthopedic surgeon or podiatric surgeon
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist
• Surgical nurses and technicians

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the surgical site
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Nerve damage resulting in numbness or tingling
• Recurrence of the original problem
• Poor wound healing or scarring

Benefits

• Relief of pain
• Correction of deformity
• Improved toe and foot function
• Enhanced overall quality of life

Recovery

• Post-procedure care may include pain management with medications, keeping the foot elevated, and wound care.
• Avoiding weight-bearing activities for a specified period (usually a few weeks)
• Follow-up appointments for suture removal and monitoring healing progress
• Physical therapy might be recommended for optimal recovery

Alternatives

• Conservative treatments such as orthotics, physical therapy, and medication
• Minimally invasive procedures, such as percutaneous pinning
• Pros of alternatives: Less invasive, shorter recovery time
• Cons of alternatives: May not fully resolve the issue or offer long-term relief

Patient Experience

• During the procedure: If under local anesthesia, the patient may feel pressure but should not feel pain. General anesthesia will result in the patient being asleep.
• After the procedure: Pain and swelling are common but manageable with medication. Patients are usually encouraged to rest and follow post-operative care instructions to aid in healing.