Bunionette deformity correction with distal chevron osteotomy and single absorbable pin fixation

Between January 1997 and July 2000, 10 patients with symptomatic bunionette deformity underwent 12 distal fifth metatarsal chevron osteotomies in which an absorbable poly-p-dioxanone suture (PDS) pin was used for fixation. Of the 10 patients, nine were female. Average age at operation was 41 years (range, 23-70). Mean duration of follow-up was 48 months (range, 6-81). All patients obtained clinical and radiographic union by 6 weeks, and there was no radiographic evidence of osteolysis, displacement, or avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head at final follow-up. There were no serious complications. The average postoperative AOFAS score was 93 of 100 possible. All patients were satisfied with the procedure and would have it again. Distal chevron osteotomy with a single, nonpredrilled PDS absorbable pin for the correction of symptomatic bunionette deformity is a reliable and effective technique that provides adequate fixation without complications.