How successful is flexor tenotomy, and what are the risks?
Short answer: Flexor tenotomy can effectively reduce distal pressure and improve alignment in a well-selected flexible toe. It has a smaller treatment footprint than joint surgery, but recurrence or transfer of pressure can occur.
Possible complications include infection, bleeding, swelling, incomplete correction, recurrence, a toe that sits too straight or elevated, transfer pressure to another toe, numbness and injury to nearby structures.
The best evidence is strongest for healing and preventing recurrent toe-tip ulcers in selected diabetic populations. For ordinary painful hammertoes, outcome depends heavily on flexibility and whether all contributing deformity has been identified.