Minimally invasive osteotomy for symptomatic bunionette deformity is not advisable for severe deformities: a critical retrospective analysis of the results.

Bunionette, or tailor's bunion, is a painful protrusion on the plantar and/or lateral aspect of the fifth metatarsal head. Until recently, there have been very good results reported in literature when minimally invasive therapy is used to treat this deformity. In this study, the authors critically review the outcome of patients operated by the minimal invasive technique. A total of 31 feet were retrospectively reviewed with a mean follow-up of 52 months (range 14-106 months). The results were related to the preoperative severity of the bunionette deformity. The mean intermetatarsal angle IV/V was reduced from 12° to 7.5° postoperatively. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score showed good and excellent values (80-100 points) at follow-up in 16 (12 type I, 4 type III) feet. Fourteen (2 type I, 5 type II, 7 type III) feet were rated as satisfactory (60-80 points) and one (type III) foot with fair (56 points). Nine patients (5 type II and 4 type III) indicated that they would not undergo the operative procedure again. Our results show inclusive evidence that minimal invasive osteotomies have a good clinical outcome in the treatment of high-grade deformities. The best future option is to consider the classification of the deformity before a minimally invasive operation is to take place.