Toe Shortening Surgery

Turkey has long been recognized as a leading destination for medical tourism, attracting individuals from around the globe seeking world-class healthcare at affordable prices. The country boasts state-of-the-art medical facilities, advanced technology, and highly skilled healthcare professionals. For those considering specialized procedures, Turkey offers a range of treatment options, from cosmetic surgeries to essential medical interventions.

Prospero Medical is proud to be a trusted partner in this thriving medical tourism industry. With a focus on podiatry procedures, including toe-shortening surgery, Prospero Medical collaborates with top orthopedic specialists and renowned hospitals in Turkey. The company ensures that each patient receives the best care possible, personalized to their specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with discomfort from long toes or simply seeking a cosmetic solution, Prospero Medical is here to provide expert guidance and support throughout your journey to recovery.

Toe shortening surgery is a minimally invasive procedure designed to address the issue of long toes, where the second toe is longer than the big toe. This condition, commonly known as Morton’s Toe, often leads to discomfort, pain, and aesthetic concerns. The surgery involves the removal of excess bone and tissue from the longer toe, ensuring that it aligns properly with the big toe, improving both function and appearance.

The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, sedation, epidural anesthesia, or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s condition and the complexity of the procedure. The surgery usually lasts around three hours, and patients can expect a relatively quick recovery time, although this may vary based on individual factors.

Eligible candidates for toe shortening surgery are typically individuals who experience discomfort or pain due to Morton’s Toe or those who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their feet. Symptoms of long toes include:

• Pain and tenderness when wearing shoes
• Discomfort or irritation around the nails
• Redness and inflammation
• Callus formation and hammer-toe
• Self-consciousness due to aesthetic concerns

If left untreated, these issues can progress and lead to more severe conditions such as dislocation of the metatarsal bones or permanent foot deformities. Toe shortening surgery is suitable for patients looking to alleviate physical discomfort as well as improve the aesthetic appearance of their feet.

Toe-shortening surgery is typically performed using one of two methods:

Bone Resection 

Bone resection is a surgical procedure designed to remove a portion of the bone from one of the small toe joints, typically to address deformities or conditions like hammertoes, bunions, or other foot-related issues. This procedure aims to shorten the toe and restore proper alignment, improving both the function and appearance of the foot.

Procedure:

Preoperative Preparations: The patient is typically administered a local anesthetic to numb the area around the foot, though general anesthesia may be used in more extensive cases. The surgical site is cleaned and sterilized to prevent infection.

Incision: A small incision is made on the affected toe or foot to access the joint.

Bone Removal: The surgeon removes a portion of the bone from the affected joint to shorten the toe and correct the deformity. In some cases, this may also involve the removal of any abnormal growth or spurs that may have formed due to the deformity.

Realignment and Closure: After resection, the remaining bone is repositioned to ensure proper alignment. If necessary, the bones may be stabilized with pins or screws. The incision is then closed with sutures, and a bandage is applied to protect the site.

Postoperative Care: The patient is advised to keep weight off the foot during the initial healing period to ensure the bone heals properly. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, a post-operative shoe or splint may be used to keep the foot in a favorable position for healing. Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor the healing process and check for complications such as infection or misalignment.

Bone Repair

Bone repair involves the complete removal of a small joint in the toe, followed by the healing of the remaining bones together. This procedure is more invasive than bone resection and is typically used for more severe deformities that cannot be corrected with simple resection alone.

Procedure: 

Preoperative Preparations: Similar to bone resection, the patient is administered anesthesia (either local or general) and the surgical area is sterilized to reduce the risk of infection.

Incision and Joint Removal: A larger incision is made to access the affected joint in the toe. The surgeon removes the entire small joint, including any bone spurs or irregularities that may be present, to ensure proper alignment during healing.

Bone Healing: The bones at the joint are carefully aligned so they can heal together. In some cases, the bones may be fixed using internal hardware such as pins, plates, or screws to ensure proper positioning during the healing process.

Closure and Bandaging: Once the joint is removed and the bones are aligned, the incision is closed with sutures. A sterile dressing or bandage is applied to the site.

Postoperative Care: Similar to bone resection, the patient is advised to avoid putting weight on the foot for an extended period, typically several weeks. The surgeon may prescribe pain management options and advise the patient to follow up for regular check-ups to ensure the bones are healing correctly. In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended to help improve mobility and strength once healing has progressed.

The procedure generally takes around three hours, and after the excess bone and tissue are removed, the incision is closed with stitches. The surgery is minimally invasive, ensuring a faster recovery time and reduced risk of complications.

The preparation for toe shortening surgery involves several important steps:

• Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam is essential to evaluate the patient’s condition and determine whether the surgery is the right course of action.
• Medical History: A detailed review of the patient’s medical history will help the surgeon understand potential risks and prepare for any complications.
• Pre-Operative Tests: Blood tests, ECG (electrocardiogram), and X-rays are commonly conducted to assess overall health and foot structure. Additional tests may be required depending on the patient’s specific medical condition.
• Consultation with Anesthesiologist: Anesthesia options will be discussed, and the appropriate method will be chosen based on the patient’s needs and test results.

Anesthesia Options for Toe Shortening Surgery

Several anesthesia options are available for this procedure, and the anesthesiologist will determine the best choice for each patient based on their health and the complexity of the surgery:

• Local Anesthesia: Numbs only the affected area.
• Sedation: A mild form of anesthesia that keeps the patient relaxed but conscious.
• Epidural Anesthesia: Numbs the lower half of the body.
• General Anesthesia: Puts the patient into a deep sleep for the duration of the procedure.

After the procedure, most patients stay in the hospital for one night. The healing time for toe shortening surgery is approximately six weeks, though recovery can take anywhere from two weeks to three months, depending on the severity of the deformity and the patient’s overall health. In simple cases, recovery can occur within two weeks.

Factors that influence recovery time include the method used during surgery, the patient’s age, general health, and smoking habits.

To ensure optimal recovery, patients should adhere to the following guidelines:

• Follow prescribed medication instructions to manage pain and prevent infection.
• Keep the foot elevated to reduce swelling and promote healing.
• Apply ice compresses to minimize swelling and discomfort.
• Refrain from putting weight on the operated foot during the initial recovery period.
• Wear comfortable, doctor-recommended shoes to avoid putting pressure on the operated area.
• Women should avoid wearing high heels for an extended period after surgery.
• Keep the wound clean and dry to prevent infection and encourage proper healing.

The cost of toe shortening surgery in Turkey can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the toe deformity, the surgeon’s experience, the location of the hospital, and the healthcare provider chosen.

• Severity of Deformity: The more complex the deformity, the higher the cost may be due to the additional expertise required.
• Surgeon’s Experience: Highly experienced surgeons may charge higher fees, but their expertise can lead to better outcomes.
• Hospital Location: Costs may vary based on whether the hospital is located in a major city or a smaller area.
• Healthcare Provider: Different healthcare providers may offer varying pricing packages, with some including post-surgery care in their costs.

In general, Turkey is known for offering competitive pricing, making it an appealing choice for patients seeking high-quality medical care at more affordable rates compared to other countries.

Prospero Medical is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare with a personalized approach. By partnering with leading hospitals and highly skilled specialists in Turkey, Prospero ensures that each patient receives the best possible care. With comprehensive support before, during, and after surgery, Prospero Medical offers a seamless experience for individuals seeking toe-shortening surgery in Turkey. Our network of trusted professionals will guide you through every step, ensuring a comfortable and successful recovery.

For detailed information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at:

• UK Phone: 00 44 20 3885 2029
• WhatsApp Support Line: 0532 425 73 88
• E-Mail: info@prosperomedical.co.uk