Which term refers to the surgical release of a tendon under the toe to straighten a hammer toe?

• A. Proximal
• B. Medial
• C. Flexor Tenotomy
• D. Dorsiflexion

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that hammer toe is corrected by releasing the tendon that pulls the toe into flexion, allowing the toe to straighten. Releasing the flexor tendon under the toe—called a flexor tenotomy—directly lengths or relieves the pulling force of the flexor tendon, which reduces the flexion contracture at the toe joints and lets the toe straighten.

Other terms don’t describe a surgical procedure to release a tendon. Proximal refers to location, not a treatment. Medial is a directional term, not a procedure. Dorsiflexion is a movement of lifting the foot upward, not a tendon release.