Keyhole Toe Surgery

Keyhole – or minimally invasive – toe surgery corrects toe deformities through incisions of only a few millimetres instead of a longer cut along the toe. Using fine instruments and live X-ray guidance, the surgeon reshapes the bone and releases tight soft tissue from within.

Mr Kaser Nazir is one of the UK’s highest-volume keyhole bunion surgeons and applies the same minimally invasive principles to the lesser toes.

Potential benefits of keyhole toe surgery

• very small scars
• less disruption to the soft tissues around the toe
• often no wires protruding from the end of the toe
• walking in a post-operative shoe on the day of surgery
• a quicker return to trainers for many patients
• the ability to combine with keyhole bunion surgery in one operation

Every foot is different, and recovery depends on the procedure performed. Mr Nazir will explain what to expect for your toes specifically.

Conditions that can be treated

• hammer toe
• claw toe and mallet toe
• long toes and Morton’s toe
• crossover and overlapping toes
• toe deformity alongside a bunion or tailor’s bunion

Is keyhole surgery right for me?

Keyhole techniques suit many toe deformities, but not all. A severely dislocated toe, a revision of previous surgery or a toe with poor circulation may be better treated with a traditional open approach – sometimes combined with keyhole steps. The choice is made after examination and X-rays, based on what will give the most reliable long-term result rather than the smallest scar.

What happens on the day

1. You arrive at the hospital on the morning or afternoon of surgery.
2. The foot is numbed with local anaesthetic, with sedation if you prefer.
3. The toe is corrected through tiny incisions under X-ray guidance; each toe typically takes a short time.
4. A supportive dressing holds the toes in their new position.
5. You walk out in a post-operative shoe and go home the same day.

Recovery

Rest with the foot raised for the first two weeks, when the dressings are changed in clinic. Many patients move into supportive trainers from around two to four weeks, and back to most activities by six to eight weeks. Swelling can take several months to settle completely. See the recovery guide.

Keyhole toe surgery FAQs

Is keyhole toe surgery less painful?

Many patients report less pain because less tissue is disturbed, and long-acting local anaesthetic keeps the foot comfortable in the first hours.

Is keyhole toe surgery covered by insurance?

When it is performed to correct a painful deformity, toe surgery is generally covered by UK private medical insurers. See costs and insurance.

Can keyhole surgery be done on both feet?

Often, yes. Mr Nazir will discuss whether one foot or both at once suits your work and home circumstances.