Percutaneous Surgery for Tailor's Bunion: A Comparative Study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Foot and Ankle Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Bunionette deformity (tailor's bunion) affects the fifth metatarsal.
• Percutaneous surgical techniques offer potential advantages for correction.
• Comparing specific percutaneous methods is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of two percutaneous bunionette correction techniques.
• Evaluate the Sponsel technique versus medial wedge osteotomy of the distal metaphysis.
• Assess functional scores and radiographic parameters post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study (May 2011 - February 2022) of 32 feet.
• 12 feet treated with Sponsel technique, 20 with medial wedge osteotomy.
• Outcomes assessed using AOFAS, VAS, and radiographic angles (AIM4-5, AMF-5).

Main Results:

• Both techniques significantly improved radiographic angles (AIM4-5, AMF-5) (p < 0.001).
• No significant difference in radiographic improvement between the two techniques.
• Medial wedge osteotomy demonstrated significantly better clinical outcomes (AOFAS, VAS) (p < 0.001) compared to the Sponsel technique.

Conclusions:

• Both percutaneous techniques are effective for bunionette correction with low complication rates.
• Medial wedge osteotomy appears to yield superior clinical results compared to the Sponsel technique.
• Percutaneous approaches provide viable, effective treatment options for bunionette deformity.