What is a keyhole exostectomy for a hammertoe?
Short answer: A minimally invasive exostectomy removes or remodels a focal bony prominence through a small portal. It aims to reduce the hard pressure point responsible for a recurrent corn while limiting soft-tissue disruption.
A specialised burr is introduced through the small opening and used under controlled technique to reshape the prominence. This treats the bone beneath the corn; it is different from simply trimming thickened skin.
Exostectomy may suit a localised prominence when overall toe alignment is acceptable. If the entire joint is rigid, unstable or severely deformed, removing one pressure point may not provide adequate correction.