Long oblique distal osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal for correction of tailor's bunion: A retrospective review

A long-term retrospective review of a long oblique distal osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal for correction of a tailor's bunion deformity is presented. The technique, results, and follow-up of this procedure are described. The long oblique distal osteotomy was performed on 25 feet on 16 patients. Follow-up ranged from 11 to 110 months with an average of 64.4 months. The average preoperative intermetatarsal 4-5 angle and lateral deviation angle improved from 10.88° and 4.24°, respectively, to 5.52° and −4.24° postoperatively, respectively. A modified scoring scale for lesser metatarsal procedures was used, showing an average postoperative score of 94 out of 100 possible points. Subjectively, 96% (24 of 25) of feet that underwent surgery were rated as excellent or good. Complications included one patient with paresthesias, one soft-tissue infection, and 2 patients had irritation from screws. The authors conclude that the long oblique distal osteotomy is a viable alternative in the correction of tailor's bunion deformity. (The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery 42(1):36–42, 2003)