Treatment of bunionette deformity with distal oblique sliding osteotomy

Abstract

Background: Tailor’s bunion is a bone prominence on the lateral side of the fifth metatarsal head, it is most often associated with soft tissue bursitis and a tender callosity. In the current series, we evaluated a technique of Distal Oblique Sliding Osteotomy using K-wire fixation. Materials and methods: We present a retrospective and consecutive series concerning six patients (six feet) suffering from symptomatic bunionette deformity treated through the DOSO with k-wire fixation. We describe this procedure, their results, and short-term follow-up. Results: At 12 months follow-up, the results were satisfactory in 5 feet, fair in one patient following the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. The average preoperative intermetatarsal 4-5 angle improved from 14,5° (range, 8°-17°) to 5° (range, 5°-9°) and the fifth metatarsophalangeal angle improved from 16.2° (range, 10°-24°) to 3,5° (range, 2°-9°). Conclusion: This technique is versatile, cost-effective (can use a small piece of pins), safe and reliable in comparison to other types of bunionette osteotomy and their osteosynthesis.