Tailor’s Bunion Surgery

What is Tailor’s Bunion/Bunionette?

A Tailor’s bunion (also called a bunionette) is a bony prominence that occurs on the outside side of the foot at the base of the little toe. The Tailor’s bunion is the rounded end of the fifth metatarsal bone (the bone on the outside of the forefoot leading to the 5th toe) that is slowly splaying away from the outer side of the foot.

The condition usually develops slowly over a period of years. The condition usually starts at a young age and slowly progresses over time, resulting in a deformity large enough to cause pain in the 40’s or later. However, the condition can occasionally progress more rapidly and become large enough to cause pain as early as teenage years. A Tailor’s bunion can be found equally developed on both feet or only one foot.

The condition is not always painful, but can be if the deformity is large enough. Pain can also occur if shoes are too tight, too pointed, or have heels that are too high. When pain is present, it usually is from shoe pressure on the Tailor’s bunion. Other times, pain can also occur at the bottom outside of the joint, where a callus can develop.

Treatment of the condition falls into non-surgical and surgical categories. The goal of non-surgical treatment is to eliminate pain. The goal of surgical treatment is to eliminate pain and correct the deformity. Non-surgical treatment usually does not correct the deformity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tailor’s Bunion Surgery