Percutaneous osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal for symptomatic bunionette

The bunionette is a lateral prominence of the fifth metatarsal head. Operative correction of a symptomatic bunionette is indicated if conservative treatment has failed to relieve the symptoms. Although numerous bony or soft tissue surgical procedures have been described, the ideal treatment has not yet been identified. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the results of a series of 15 feet affected by symptomatic bunionette deformity treated by percutaneous osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal. From January 2009 to December 2009, 15 feet in 12 patients with symptomatic type 2 and 3 bunionette deformities were treated with percutaneous fifth metatarsal osteotomy, alone or combined with percutaneous shaving of the fifth metatarsal head. The mean patient age was 44 (range 18 to 56) years at surgery. The mean follow-up duration was 24 (range 16 to 28) months. The average lesser toe American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale score increased from 61.8 ± 11.1 points preoperatively to 100 points at the last follow-up visit (p < .0001). The mean fifth metatarsophalangeal angle decreased from 18.8° ± 3.6° (range 13° to 26°) preoperatively to 1.7° ± 1.4° (range -2° to 4°) at the final follow-up visit, and this difference was statistically significant (p < .0001). The average 4-5 intermetatarsal angle was 11.2° ± 1.7° (range 9° to 15°) before surgery and 3.1° ± 1.3° (range 1° to 5°) after surgery, and this difference was also statistically significant (p < .0001). The mean interval to radiographic union was 9 (range 8 to 12) weeks postoperatively. The complications included 1 case of wound dehiscence. In conclusion, percutaneous osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of painful bunionette.