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slide 1 of 6, Phalangeal head resection for hammer toe: Slide 1,
A hammer toe is a toe that bends down toward the floor at the middle toe joint. It usually happens in the second toe. The toe may bend up at the joint where the toe and foot meet, causing the middle toe joint to rise up.
Phalangeal head resection for hammer toe: Slide 2
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slide 2 of 6, Phalangeal head resection for hammer toe: Slide 2,
In a phalangeal head resection for a hammer toe, the surgeon removes a section of the phalangeal bone.
Phalangeal head resection for hammer toe: Slide 3
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slide 3 of 6, Phalangeal head resection for hammer toe: Slide 3,
The surgeon removes the bone section.
Phalangeal head resection for hammer toe: Slide 4
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slide 4 of 6, Phalangeal head resection for hammer toe: Slide 4,
The surgeon straightens the toe.
Phalangeal head resection for hammer toe: Slide 5
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slide 5 of 6, Phalangeal head resection for hammer toe: Slide 5,
The surgeon uses a pin to hold the straightened hammer toe in place.
Phalangeal head resection for hammer toe: Slide 6
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slide 6 of 6, Phalangeal head resection for hammer toe: Slide 6,
After the toe has healed, the surgeon removes the pin, and the straightened hammer toe stays in place.
Current as of: May 1, 2026
Author: WebMD Ignite Staff Clinical Review Board All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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