X-rays are done by your surgeon prior to surgery, to measure and determine how much your metatarsophalangeal joint needs to be relaxed. An incision is made on the top of the foot, between the metatarsal bones depending if you have hammertoes, this cut will extend to the toes. The metatarsophalangeal joint, which is at the base of the toe, is opened and part of the bone is resected to allow the tissues to relax, thus relieving the pressure under your foot. The bone is then fixed in its new position using a small screw or two, and the cut is stitched closed.