Curly Toe Surgery

Curly Toe Surgery Information Sheet

Curly Toe Surgery Procedure

The surgery is usually a day case procedure. Under an anaesthetic, an incision is made under the toe or toes, and the tendon is cut. The toe can then be straightened and will be taped to the neighbouring toe for 3–4 weeks. The toe is numbed with local anaesthetic for pain relief, and the procedure is typically performed by an experienced Orthopaedic Surgeon in Adelaide to ensure the best outcome and recovery.

Picture of a curly toe

The Hospital Stay

  • Your child will wake up with dressings on their 2 toes.
  • The toe will be numb.
  • Your child can wear a slipper to go home or can be provided with a boot as the dressings may stop them from being able to wear normal shoes.


When You Go Home

  • Your child may need panadol before bed that night as the local anaesthetic will wear off.
  • Please leave the dressings in tact for as long as possible; dressings can often last for 4 weeks.
  • You can debulk the dressings in 48 hours and keep the sticky dressings intact.
  • If the dressings get wet or fall off, please continue to tape the 2 toes together. The post op dressing may have blood on them which is normal. Please contact Dr Graff who will organise an earlier appointment.
  • You will need to attend your post op appointment in 3-4 weeks where the wounds will be checked.


Curly Toe Surgery Rehabilitation

All patients are different. These timelines are guides; some patients may progress faster or slower than others.


0 - 4 Weeks

  • Your child will be in a slipper or boot for walking; you can remove it for sleeping.
  • Pain relief: please give your child paracetamol before bed on the night of the surgery as the local anaesthetic will wear off.
  • Please keep the dressings intact if possible; bag for showers or sponge bath.


4 Weeks

  • Post op appointment for a wound review.
  • The sutures will be left in, and often fall out over several weeks.
  • Your child can wear normal shoes and get back to normal activities.


When can my child return to school/childcare?

  • Your child can go back to their normal school/childcare when they feel comfortable, which is usually within 2-3 days.


‍Curly Toe Surgery Risks

  • Anaesthetic problems
  • Wound/scar problems
  • Recurrence
  • Infection
  • Ongoing pain/swelling
  • The need for further surgery


If you want more information or have any questions or problems, please contact Dr Graff at admin@christygraff.com or call the rooms at 0493 461 133.