Bunionette correction surgery
What is bunionette correction surgery and why is it required some of the time?
A bunionette, also known as a tailor’s bunion, is a prominence on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. This can cause pain, swelling and rubbing in shoes, especially narrower or firmer footwear. When symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended to realign the bone and reduce pressure.
Bunionette (Tailor’s Bunion) Treatment & Surgery | Liverpool
The procedure is usually performed as a day-case under local, regional or general anaesthetic.
A small incision is made over the bunionette or done through minimally invasive surgery.
Depending on the deformity, surgery may involve:
- Shaving the prominence (lateral eminence resection)
- Osteotomy (cutting and repositioning the bone)
- Fixation maybe required with small screws
The soft tissues are balanced and the wound is closed with sutures.
Dressings are applied and you may be given a post-operative shoe.
The goal is to reduce the prominence and correct the alignment of the 5th metatarsal.
Consent Information for bunionette correction
Consent Form Bunionette (docx)
DownloadExamples
Post Surgical Recovery
Immediate post operative period (0-2 weeks)
- The foot is bandaged and protected in a post-operative shoe.
- Protected weight-bearing is typically allowed unless instructed otherwise.
- Elevation helps reduce swelling.
- Stitches are removed at 10–14 days.
2-6 weeks after surgery
- Swelling gradually settles.
- Transition to comfortable footwear begins as swelling allows.
- Walking distances may increase gradually.
6-12 weeks after surgery
- A x-ray will be performed to check on healing progress.
- Most patients return to normal footwear with good comfort.
- Low-impact activities such as cycling and swimming may resume.
- Some swelling at the end of the day is normal.
Longer term (3-6 months and beyond)
- Continued reduction in swelling and callus burden.
- Comfort in daily footwear improves significantly.
- Most patients regain improved mobility and reduced pain.
- Some swelling may persist, especially after prolonged standing or activity.
Outcomes
Before Surgery
- Painful prominence at outer foot
- Difficulty with narrow footwear
- Rubbing, swelling or callus formation
- Reduced walking comfort
After Surgery
- Reduced pain and pressure
- Improved footwear comfort
- Straighter 5th toe alignment
- Better tolerance for daily activities
Long term success
- Results are generally durable with low recurrence rates.
- Supportive footwear improves comfort and long-term outcomes.
- Return to sport and impact activity is typically possible once fully healed.
Bunionette (tailor’s bunion) surgery is an effective treatment for painful prominence on the outer side of the foot that does not improve with conservative care. By correcting the underlying bone alignment and reducing the bony prominence, the procedure improves comfort, footwear tolerance and daily function. Most patients experience meaningful and lasting improvement.
Contact Us
Contact to arrange an appointment
Prof Mason has clinics at Spire Liverpool (weekly) and in Douglas, Isle of Man (every 3 months)
Cost -
Initial consultation - £250
Follow-up - £150
Prof Lyndon Mason
Spire Liverpool Hospital, 57 Greenbank Rd, Liverpool L18 1HQ, UK
Patient Liaison - Clare van de Waal Telephone - 07717580737 E-mail - CVDWclerical@outlook.com Website - <<https://liverpoolfootandankle.com/<<
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