Curly Toe Surgery

Curly Toe Surgery Procedure

The surgery is usually a day case procedure.  Under an anaesthetic, an incision is made under the toe/toes.  The tendon is cut. The toe is now able to be straightened and will be taped to the neighbouring toe for 3 -4 weeks. The toe is numbed with local anaesthetic for pain relief.

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.


Curly Toe Surgery Information Sheet