Which procedure releases the tendons under the toe to permanently correct hammered or clawed toes?

• A. Gait Abnormality
• B. Limb Length Discrepancy
• C. Flexor Tenotomy
• D. Plantar Fasciotomy

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that hammering or clawing of the toes is often caused by tight flexor tendons pulling the toe downward. Releasing those tendons with a flexor tenotomy directly addresses the source of the bend by cutting the flexor tendon, which reduces or eliminates the flexion pull. This allows the toe to straighten and stay in a corrected position, especially when the deformity is flexible and primarily due to tendon contracture. It’s a targeted procedure for toe deformities and is different from procedures that treat other foot issues.

Gait abnormality and limb length discrepancy describe broader issues or symptoms rather than a procedure to fix toe contractures. Plantar fasciotomy releases the plantar fascia to treat plantar fasciitis and does not address the toe tendons, so it wouldn’t correct hammer or claw toe.