Bunionette correction by metatarsal osteotomy: preliminary report.

A preliminary report is presented of 17 patients who underwent 27 fifth metatarsal osteotomies. Oblique osteotomy without internal fixation was used. Union of the osteotomy without external immobilization occurred in 16 of the patients. Correction was effected in a case of delayed union in one foot because it was symptomatic. Improvement and normal function were the result in 26 of the 27 osteotomies. Delayed union did not seem to mean failure of relief. No painful scars occurred.