Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Surgery
Straightened Toes, Same-Day Walking
Dr. Joanna Ayoub and Dr. David Wong correct hammertoes using a minimally invasive technique with tiny, nearly invisible keyhole incisions — often less than 5mm. This approach preserves surrounding tissue and joint mobility while restoring proper toe alignment, and patients walk out the same day in a surgical shoe.
Hammertoe surgery is frequently performed alongside bunion surgery in a single outpatient procedure, giving patients one recovery instead of two — a major advantage when both conditions are present.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Surgery
Cosmetically Pleasing
Tiny, nearly invisible keyhole incisions — often less than 5mm
Faster Recovery
Immediate weight-bearing after surgery
No Casting
Small surgical shoe is typically used postoperatively
Minimal Pain and Swelling
Less trauma to the tissues
Reduced Risk of Infection
Less disruption to the skin and surrounding tissues
Same-day Procedure
Allowing you to go home within a couple of hours
Combined with Bunion Surgery
Often performed alongside bunion correction — one recovery instead of two
Pioneers of Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Surgery
With over 36 years of combined surgical experience, Dr. Ayoub and Dr. Wong have performed thousands of foot and ankle procedures. They are among the foremost experts in MIS hammertoe and bunion surgery techniques and have received extensive training from an elite global team of surgeons. Their expertise means patients benefit from outstanding cosmetic results, minimal scarring, and a far faster recovery than traditional open surgery.
Expected Recovery
- Day 1: Walk in, walk out in a surgical shoe immediately after surgery.
- Weeks 6-8: Transition to regular footwear.
- Month 3: Return to recreational activities.
Recovery varies based on the number of toes corrected and whether bunion surgery was performed at the same time. We assess each patient's individual circumstances before recommending a recovery plan.
Frequently Asked Questions about Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Surgery
Minimally invasive hammertoe surgery corrects the bent toe deformity through tiny keyhole incisions — often less than 5mm — rather than the large open cuts used in traditional surgery. Dr. Ayoub and Dr. Wong use this technique to straighten the affected joints, preserve surrounding tissue, and allow patients to walk in a surgical shoe the same day as the procedure.
Yes, and it is often recommended. Because hammertoes and bunions frequently occur together, combining them into a single outpatient procedure means one anesthesia event, one recovery period, and one set of post-op appointments rather than two. Dr. Ayoub and Dr. Wong routinely perform both corrections simultaneously.
Most patients are walking in a surgical shoe immediately after surgery. Swelling resolves gradually over 6–12 weeks. Patients typically return to regular footwear within 6–8 weeks and to athletic shoes or activities within 3 months, though individual recovery varies based on the number of toes corrected and whether bunion surgery was performed at the same time.
Scarring is hidden and minimal. The MIS technique uses incisions so small they are nearly invisible once healed — a significant cosmetic advantage over traditional open hammertoe surgery, which requires longer incisions on top of each toe.
Candidates typically have painful, contracted toes that have not responded to conservative measures such as wider shoes or padding. A consultation with Dr. Ayoub or Dr. Wong will include imaging and a biomechanical evaluation to determine whether surgery is appropriate and which technique is best suited to your toe structure.
