The tailor's bunionette deformity: a field guide to surgical correction

The author presents a detailed review of the Tailor's bunionette deformity of the fifth metatarsal with special emphasis on radiographic analysis and surgical correction. The surgical techniques discussed include (1) partial metatarsal head ostectomy; (2) metatarsal head resection; (3) minimal incision osteotomy; (4) osteotomies about the metatarsal head-neck, shaft, and base; and (5) ancillary soft tissue procedures. Techniques employed to prevent and correct potential complications are discussed in detail for each osteotomy.     

The modified distal horizontal metatarsal osteotomy for correction of bunionette deformity

BACKGROUND: Bunionette is a common deformity for which a number of operative procedures have been described. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of a modified distal horizontal metatarsal osteotomy in the correction of symptomatic bunionette. METHODS: Metatarsal osteotomies were done in 21 feet in 14 patients (11 females, three males) with an average age of 44 (range 20 to 67) years at the time of operation. The average followup was 32 (range 12 to 52) months. RESULTS: The average Lesser Toe Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Score of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society increased from 42 points (range 24 to 50) preoperatively to 87 points (range 60 to 100) at the last followup. The fifth metatarsophalangeal angle averaged 18 degrees (5 to 38 degrees) preoperatively and 5 degrees (-5 to 26 degrees) at final followup. The 4-5 intermetatarsal angle averaged 14 degrees (10 to 20 degrees) preoperatively and 9 degrees (5 to 12 degrees) at final followup. Hardware was removed from two feet and scheduled for a third foot because of symptomatic skin irritation. CONCLUSIONS: The modified distal horizontal metatarsal osteotomy is a stable and reliable method for correction of bunionette. Unsatisfactory results in our patients were related to prominent hardware.     

Osteotomies for bunionette deformity

A variety of surgical osteotomy procedures have been described for the bunionette deformity.Metatarsal osteotomies narrow the forefoot, maintain the length of the metatarsal, and preserve function of the metatarsophalangeal joint. Distal metatarsal osteotomies produce less correction and reduce postoperative disability; however, they pose a risk of inadequate correction because of the small width of the fifth metatarsal head and transfer lesions if shortened or dorsiflexed excessively. The sliding oblique metaphyseal osteotomy described by Smith and Weil (without fixation) and later by Steinke (with fixation) is easy to perform and provides good cancellous bone contact. Fixation is sometimes difficult and bone healing can take a few months owing to the unstable construct of this osteotomy. Kitaoka described a distal chevron osteotomy, which provides lateral pressure relief and reduced plantar pressure. This osteotomy is currently the most common procedure used; however, it may prove difficult to perform if the deformity is large and the bone is narrow. Diaphyseal osteotomies are indicated when greater correction is needed; however, they require more dissection and there is greater postoperative convalescence with non–weight bearing for several weeks. Proximal base osteotomies may be used to address significantly increased 4–5 IMAs or when a large degree of sagittal plane correction is required. Approaches that have been described include opening and closing base wedges and basal chevrons. Advantages to this approach are the ability to avoid epiphyseal plates in pediatric patients and maintain function of the MTPJ, while disadvantages include inherent instability of the location of the osteotomy, embarrassment of intraosseous and extraosseus blood supply of the metatarsal, and technical demand. Non–weight bearing is essential for several weeks. The Scarfette procedure is a combination head–shaft procedure, which is indicated to treat mild to moderate transverse and sagittal plane deformities.9,19. The inherent stability of the osteotomy and ability for early weight bearing of the Scarfette makes this our procedure of choice when selecting treatments for patients with a bunionette deformity.     

Lateral condylar resection for bunionette.

Lateral condylar resection operations were performed in 21 feet in 16 patients with painful bunionettes. The mean follow-up period (examination and roentgenography) was 6.4 years (range, 2.3-12.4 years). The average forefoot score improved from 40.3 +/- 13.5 points to 68.3 +/- 11.7 points of a possible 75 points. The overall results were considered good in 15 feet, fair in three, and poor in three. The causes of failure were inadequate amount of resection, metatarsophalangeal joint subluxation, and severe forefoot splaying. Complications were infection, toe hypesthesia, and metatarsophalangeal joint subluxation. One patient required reoperation. Lateral condylar resection is simple and effective for most patients with bunionette, but limitations are recognized.     

Treatment of the bunionette deformity

A bunionette may be due to a deformity of the fifth metatarsal head, metatarsal diaphysis, or divergence of the fourth and fifth metatarsals. Treatment options are dictated by the symptoms, physical findings, and location of the abnormality. Conservative measures are successful in the majority of patients, however, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve symptoms. This article describes the different surgical treatment options and the rationale applied to obtain the best outcome.     

Distal metatarsal osteotomy for bunionette deformity

Surgical treatment of a bunionette deformity was carried out in 54 feet (36 patients) using the Hohmann displacement osteotomy modified by Thomasen on the fifth metatarsal. Forty-eight operated feet (32 patients) were evaluated 69 months postoperatively (median). The patients were fully satisfied in 88% of the cases and partly satisfied or unsatisfied in 12%. The fully satisfied patients stressed the fact that they were now able to wear whatever style of footwear they desired. The objective success rate was 78% (6% recurrences, 10% transfer lesions, 4% intractable plantar keratosis and 2% operative complications). The authors conclude that the operation is an effective treatment for the bunionette deformity, and that the effect of the operation appears to be long lasting, with few reappearances 5 to 6 years after the operation.     

Proximal dome-shaped osteotomy for symptomatic bunionette

The results of a dome-shaped osteotomy of the proximal third of the fifth metatarsal in patients with symptomatic bunionette deformity were reviewed. The series was comprised of eight patients (10 feet; mean age of patients, 21 years). The average followup was 30 months. All patients were free from pain at the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint and were satisfied with the results of this procedure. The mean angle between the longitudinal axes of the fifth metatarsal and the proximal phalanx was 18.9 degrees before surgery and 2.6 degrees after surgery. The mean angle between the longitudinal axes of the fourth and fifth metatarsals was 12.2 degrees before surgery and 4.8 degrees after surgery. The overall results were good in all 10 feet. Three feet had delayed union at the osteotomy site, but union was obtained in all feet. The osteotomy site of the fifth metatarsal in feet with delayed union was more proximal than that of the other feet. Therefore, proximal osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal should be done not at the base, but at the proximal site of the diaphysis to prevent delayed union. A proximal dome-shaped osteotomy corrects the deformity and relieves the symptoms, but careful attention should be paid to the osteotomy site.     

Medial displacement metatarsal osteotomy for treatment of painful bunionette

A medial displacement metatarsal osteotomy was performed in 23 feet of 16 patients who had painful bunionette deformities. The mean follow-up period was 22 months. Relief of symptoms, e.g., lateral forefoot pain, plantar pain, toe deformity, functional limitation, and shoewear limitation, was achieved. Lateral forefoot tenderness also was relieved. Forefoot width and intermetatarsal four-to-five, intermetatarsal two-to-five, and metatarsophalangeal five angles were consistently decreased. Overall results based on objective and subjective criteria were good in 88%, fair in 4%, and failure in 8%. Complications were superficial wound infection in one case and possible nonunion in one case. This operation is appropriate for the painful bunionette with metatarsal splaying or outflaring with or without intractable plantar keratosis and varus toe deformity.     

Percutaneous distal metatarsal osteotomy for correction of hallux valgus

BACKGROUND: Distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal is indicated for the surgical treatment of mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of a subcapital distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal with use of a percutaneous technique. METHODS: From 1996 to 2001, 118 consecutive percutaneous distal osteotomies of the first metatarsal were performed for the treatment of painful mild-to-moderate hallux valgus in eighty-two patients. The patients were assessed with a clinical and radiographic protocol at a mean of 35.9 months postoperatively. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale was used for the clinical assessment. RESULTS: The patients were satisfied following 107 (91%) of the 118 procedures. The mean score on the AOFAS scale was 88.2 +/- 12.9 points. The postoperative radiographic assessments showed a significant change (p < 0.05), compared with the preoperative values, in the mean hallux valgus angle, first intermetatarsal angle, distal metatarsal articular angle, and sesamoid position. The valgus deformity recurred after three procedures (2.5%), the first metatarsophalangeal joint was stiff but not painful after eight (6.8%), and a deep infection developed after one (0.8%). The infection resolved with antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The percutaneous technique proved to be reliable for the correct execution of a distal linear osteotomy of the first metatarsal for the correction of a painful mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformity. The clinical results appear to be comparable with those obtainable with traditional open techniques, with the additional advantages of a minimally invasive procedure, a substantially shorter operating time, and a reduced risk of complications related to surgical exposure.     

Hohmann-Thomasen metatarsal osteotomy for tailor's bunion (bunionette)

We used subcapital displacement osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal bone and peg-and-hole fixation to treat a tailor's bunion (bunionette) in forty-four feet (twenty-seven patients). The result was good in 86 per cent, fair in 9 per cent, and poor in 5 per cent. All but one of the patients were satisfied with the result. The average medial displacement of the head of the fifth metatarsal was five millimeters. In all feet, secure union was noted in five weeks, and no patient had osteonecrosis of the head of the fifth metatarsal.     

Percutaneous double metatarsal osteotomy for correction of severe hallux valgus deformity

Double osteotomy of the first metatarsal is an option in treatment of severe hallux valgus deformity. Good short-term results have been reported with percutaneous surgery in hallux valgus with moderate deformity. We report short-term results with percutaneous double osteotomy of the first metatarsal in severe deformities. This is a prospective study of 6 patients with severe hallux valgus deformity who were treated with percutaneous double osteotomy of the first metatarsal (proximal closing wedge and distal chevron osteotomy) in 2008. They were assessed preoperatively and one year and two years after surgery, with clinical and radiological AOFAS MTP-IP score. All patients were satisfied. The AOFAS score improved from 34 to 84. The postoperative radiological assessment showed significant improvement, compared with preoperative values of the intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles. No complications were encountered. Post-operative stiffness of the first MT joint was observed but resolved after physiotherapy. This preliminary study showed that correction of severe hallux valgus deformity by percutaneous double osteotomy can achieve good clinical and radiological results. A larger number of cases with a longer follow-up is needed to firmly demonstrate the advantages of this technique compared with classical open surgical techniques in the treatment of severe hallux valgus deformities.     

Transverse medial slide osteotomy for bunionette deformity: long-term results

BACKGROUND: Bunionette deformity of the fifth metatarsal infrequently requires operative treatment. This study presents the long-term results of a simple operative technique. METHODS: Forty-four distal metatarsal medial slide osteotomies with pin fixation were performed for symptomatic bunionette deformity in 30 patients. After an average of 7 years and 8 months (range 69 to 110 months), 30 feet in 21 patients were available for clinical and radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: The patients' subjective assessment was excellent and good in 81% and fair and poor in 19% of feet. The mean pain score on a visual analogue scale was 1.8 (range 0 to 7) and the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 88.2 (range 47 to 100). Postoperative complications included pin track infection in three feet and delayed union in one. One patient developed transfer metatarsalgia and another patient had repeat surgery for recurrent symptoms on both feet after 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure combines technical simplicity with satisfactory and predictable long-term results in the operative treatment of bunionette deformity in the lateral forefoot.     

The minimally invasive osteotomy "S.E.R.I." (simple, effective, rapid, inexpensive) for correction of bunionette deformity

BACKGROUND: A bunionette is a deformity of the fifth metatarsal bone with a varus deviation of the toe which can require surgical correction. Although numerous bony or soft tissue surgical procedures have been described, the ideal treatment has not yet been identified. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the results of a series of 50 consecutive feet affected by symptomatic bunionette deformity treated by S.E.R.I. (simple, effective, rapid, inexpensive) osteotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 1998 and March 2004, 50 feet with symptomatic type II-III bunionette deformity in 32 patients (18 bilateral) underwent S.E.R.I osteotomy. The average age of the patients at the time of operation was 33 +/- 13 years. The average followup was 4.8 (range, 2 to 8) years. RESULTS: The average modified lesser toe AOFAS score increased from 62.8 +/- 15.2 points preoperatively to 94 +/- 6.8 points at last followup (p < 0.0005). The average fifth metatarsophalangeal (MTP) angle decreased from 16.8 +/- 5.1 degrees preoperatively to 7.9 +/- 3.1 degrees at final followup (p < 0.0005). The 4-5 intermetatarsal angle (I.M.A) averaged 12 +/- 1.7 degrees preoperatively, while postoperatively was 6.7 +/- 1.7 degrees (p < 0.0005). Complications included a skin inflammatory reaction around the Kirschner wire and 2 symptomatic plantar callosities under the fourth metatarsal heads. CONCLUSIONS: The minimally invasive osteotomy is an effective and reliable technique for the treatment of painful bunionette, and it achieved more than 90% excellent and good results with reduced surgical time and complications.     

Percutaneous osteotomy for deformity correction in adolescents with severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Various methods of performing proximal femoral realignment in adolescents with severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis exist. We report the technique and early results of a percutaneous, opening wedge subtrochanteric femoral osteotomy using an external fixator for correcting multiplanar deformities in such patients. Nine adolescents with severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis underwent a percutaneous osteotomy at an average age of 14.5 years. Mean operative blood loss was 61 ml, with 2 days of inpatient stay and 129 days of external fixation time. At an average follow-up of 23 months, hip flexion improved from 74 to 106 degrees, internal rotation from -5 to +17 degrees, external rotation from 71 to 41 degrees and abduction from 29 to 36 degrees. Radiographs revealed an improvement in anteroposterior head shaft angle from 112 to 134 degrees and lateral head shaft angle from 72 to 15 degrees. One patient had transient chondrolysis. No fixation-related problems, deep infection, avascular necrosis or refracture occurred. On the basis of our preliminary results, this percutaneous technique offers several advantages over currently available methods for surgical correction of severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis deformities.     

Percutaneous triplanar femoral osteotomy correction for developmental coxa vara: a new technique

Developmental coxa vara (DCV) is a well-known pediatric hip disorder that is associated with triplanar deformity of the proximal femur. Several techniques of proximal femur osteotomies have being cited in the literature, with variable outcomes. Recently, the authors have used a percutaneous technique with application of a low-profile Ilizarov external fixator for acute opening wedge correction of the femoral deformity associated with DCV. Five children (six affected hips) underwent the above procedure at an average age of 8 + 4 years. The average improvement in Hilgenreiner's epiphyseal angle was from 74 degrees before surgery to 33 degrees after surgery, the neck-shaft angle improved from 86 degrees to 137 degrees, and the articulo-trochanteric distance improved from -6 mm to +11 mm. Latest follow-up at a mean of 2.1 years after surgery showed satisfactory healing with no significant loss of correction in any case. This percutaneous technique offers several advantages over currently available methods for surgical correction of DCV.