Oblique osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal: a five year review

A 5-year retrospective review of a nonfixated oblique osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal for repair of tailor's bunion was performed at the Podiatry Hospital of Pittsburgh. Subjective and objective analysis of 38 osteotomies were evaluated in 22 patients. Incidence of complications, transfer of lesions, and recurrence of the deformity were determined. Preoperative and 5-year postoperative radiographs were analyzed as to the effectiveness of this procedure in changing the intermetatarsal angle, lateral deviation angle, and the sagittal plane elevation of the fifth metatarsal head. While patient acceptance is high, the authors derive new conclusions regarding the overall effectiveness of this common podiatric procedure.