Shape Memory Device Corrects Hammertoes

A novel intramedullary fixation system uses heat activation for hammertoe correction procedures, compressing the affected joint as the metal adjusts to body temperature.

The HammerLock intramedullary fixation system is formed out of a biocompatible nickel-titanium alloy (Nitinol), which is designed to change shape when exposed to body heat. After being placed internally across the joint, the implant morphs as it warms to normal limb temperature, providing strong fixation of the proximal joint of the toe. The spring-like behavior of the nitinol compresses the joint, resulting in an optimal environment for healing. An added advantage is that the fixation system stabilizes the proximal joint of the toe without the need for exposed wires.


Features of the system include barbs that maintain compression, while minimizing stress on cortical walls. The system comes in three sizes in both straight and angled versions, allowing correct fit in a wide variety of cases, with corresponding anatomical proportions that allow for proper reduction of smaller phalangeal segments. A proprietary insertion system ensures the procedure is simple, fast, and reproducible, saving time and costs in the operating room. The HammerLock intramedullary fixation system is a product of BioMedical Enterprises (BME, San Antonio, TX, USA).

"Patients and surgeons have asked for another new intramedullary device for the treatment of hammertoes and the BME HammerLock has proven to be an excellent next step,” said Keith Peeples, president and CEO of BME. "This is the first of many new products being delivered from the BME drawing board.”

A hammertoe is a deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the second, third, or fourth toe causing it to be permanently bent, resembling a hammer. Hammer toe most frequently results from wearing poorly fit shoes that can force the toe into a bent position, such as excessively high heels or shoes that are too short or narrow for the foot. Having the toes bent for long periods of time can cause the muscles in them to shorten, resulting in the hammertoe deformity; this is often found in conjunction with bunions or other foot problems. It can also be caused by muscle, nerve, or joint damage resulting from conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or diabetes.

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