Dressing Techniques in Percutaneous Toe Surgery

Abstract

Percutaneous techniques are becoming increasingly popular in forefoot surgery. In percutaneous toe corrections, usually, no hardware is used. The hardware-free technique avoids any hardware-related complications, but relies highly on the effect of the dressing to keep the foot in the desirable corrected position while healing occurs. The first postoperative dressing is applied by the surgeon. A combination of adhesive taping, sterile gauzes, and an elastic cohesive bandage is used for the first 10 to 14 days. The technique is tailored to the surgical procedure performed and aimed at correcting the preoperative deformity. For the next phase of healing, different bandage techniques can be used. Customized elastic taping is helpful to guide toe position. Alternatively, orthodigital splints can be used. Surgeons should master several bandage techniques. This allows them to choose the best technique depending on the situation. Often, the bandage techniques should be modified to the preoperative situation, the surgical technique, the deformity, and the correction achieved. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.