In cases when the Hammer Toe deformity has become rigid, surgery can be the best alternative for relief of pain and discomfort. Any serious discussion of surgery options should include the Smart Toe®, which offers specific advantages.

• Compressive feature reduces healing time. The Smart Toe® uses temperature-activated memory to expand its width and shorten its length securing the implant in place during healing.
• One-piece implant (no "connection" required). Some Hammer Toe implants are two-pieces that must be "coupled" during surgery. These can be awkward to connect and also run the risk of disconnecting or even rotating in place.
• No post-op (after surgery) implant exposure. Some surgical solutions rely on pins and wires to hold your toe bones in place for up to six weeks during the healing process. The wires extending out of the ends of your toes can very uncomfortable. And the open wound can lead to "pin tract" infection requiring additional treatment and further complicating your recovery period.
• No healthy joint disruption. In many other surgical solutions, your surgeon insert pins and/or wires through the open end of your toes... so all bones of the toes are affected, even if only the second and third joints require treatment.
• Shape resists rotation. The Smart Toe®'s flat, lateral design resists rotation that may occur with K-wire and other cylindrical solutions. Unplanned rotation can complicate the healing/fusion of the bone.

Memory Enhances Stability and Healing

The goal of corrective surgery is to straighten and align the toe, ensuring the bones fuse in the right position. The Smart Toe® implant helps achieve proper fusion because of the compressive properties made possible by its temperature-activated material, NiTinol alloy. The implant is cooled prior to surgery, and once implanted, body heat expands its width and shortens its length. Expansion secures the implant in place, while the shortening pulls the bones tightly together to encourage the natural fusion process.

Hammertoes involve a contracture deformity at one or more of the joints in the toe. The most common deformity seen involves a flexion contracture at the proximal interphalangeal joint and an extension contracture at the distal interphalangeal joint. There are also isolated deformities of the distal interphalangeal joint known as mallet toe, and dual flexion contractures at the distal and proximal interphalangeal joints known as claw toes. A deformity may also be present at the metatarsophalangeal joint in any of these hammer digit variations.

For rigid deformities, conservative therapy involves accommodation and palliation. Corns that develop from the prominent joint rubbing against shoes can be shaved down, and corn pads and toe spacers can be used to make the person more comfortable. Wider and deeper shoes will also help for many.

Surgical correction of a rigid hammertoe can involve either an arthroplasty or an arthrodesis. Arthroplasty involves cutting some of the bone out of the joint, which creates a wider, more mobile joint. Arthrodesis is a fusion of the joint, which helps to straighten out the toe. The Smart Toe® implant is a newer piece of hardware that helps in arthrodesis procedures.

The Smart Toe® device is placed in the two bones that create the joint, either at the proximal or distal interphalagenal joints of the digit. This allows for a fusion of the joint. The hardware is composed of metal that expands once placed into the body, and keeps a rigid fusion of the joint. They are kept frozen, and heat allows them to expand. Using a Smart Toe® avoids having a pin coming out of the tip of the toe, which can potentially lead to infection or loss of correction at the joint.

View the Smart Toe® Brochure

This NEW Toenail Fungus Laser technology kills the pathogens that cause toenail fungus (Onychomycosis).

The laser procedure for Nail Fungus requires only one or a small number of safe, quick treatments with little discomfort and is performed as an outpatient service with no anesthesia. The gentle laser light beam has no effect on healthy tissue. No drugs are used, eliminating the total-body side effects of traditional oral medications. The procedure is safe, effective and FDA cleared for fungal nails.

Why Choose Cutera GenesisPlus?

• Cutera is a worldwide leader in laser technology
• FDA cleared for fungal nails/Onychomycosis
• Heat sensor on hand piece for accuracy and safety of treatment
• Proven effectiveness

What is Nail Fungus?

Onchymycosis, also know commonly as Nail Fungus, affects about 10% of the population. It can cause nails to become yellow or discolored. As the infection progresses, the nails become dark, thick and brittle. Nails can become painful or ingrown. An infection is caused by contact with the fungus, which is everywhere in the environment, especially swimming pools, public showers, gyms and nail spas. Trauma to the nails can also increase the chances of infection, as well as age and poor health. Diabetics are more susceptible to the infection.

What are treatment options for Fungus?

Oral drugs can be effective in treating the fungus. The medication can take anywhere from 12 weeks to longer for clearing of the nail. Side effects are a concern with oral treatment, especially liver damage and heart failure. Blood tests are necessary weekly or monthly to monitor for side effects. Topical drugs less effective in treating nail fungus and restoring clear nails. It is applied twice a day until the nails are clear, which can be 12-24 months. There are no significant side effects, however in some patients, the medication cannot penetrate the nail to reach the infection. Laser treatments are effective in treating the infection and restoring clear nails. Most patients experience at least some improvement. A clinical study shows no adverse effects.

What Causes Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus, properly known as Onychomycosis, has several causes. Toenail fungus can be caused by mold, dermatophytes (skin fungus), and Candida yeast. The presence of toenail fungus on the nails causes the nails to be discolored. It also makes nails brittle.

Who Gets Toenail Fungus?

It is estimated that 6-8% of the population of the United States has toenail fungus. Toenail fungus is more common in older individuals, but anyone can get toenail fungus.

How Does The Genesis Plus Laser Treat Toenail Fungus?

The GenesisPlus Laser is applied to the toenails and the area surrounding the toenails. The laser light goes through the toenail and skin over the nail bed and kills the fungal infection. Following your treatment with GenesisPlus, you will not see results right away. Because the treatment killed the fungus, you will see results in your toenails as they grow out. As your toenails grow, the new nail will not have the discolored, brittle appearance of the older, infected nail. You will see the full results after your nail has completely grown out.

Does Genesis Plus Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus Hurt?

You will feel heat from the laser during your treatment. Most patients are easily able to tolerate the sensation of the laser treatment.

Before & After