Bunionnette

A bunionette is also known as a Tailor’s Bunion. It is a painful lateral bony prominence of the 5th metatarsal head resulting in a widened forefoot. A bunionette can be caused by a large 5th metatarsal head (Type I), lateral bowing of the 5th metatarsal shaft (Type II), or an increase in the 4th and 5th intermetatarsal space (Type III). Bunionettes can often be treated conservatively by selecting shoes with a wide toebox. When conservative treatment fails, surgeons have the option to perform a simple lateral condylectomy or a distal 5th metatarsal osteotomy. In the case of a Type III deformity, the surgeon may choose to do a proximal 5th metatarsal osteotomy. Arthrex makes a variety of products in metal and bioabsorbable materials designed to provide fixation for these osteotomies.