Tailor’s bunion surgery, also known as bunionette surgery, involves removal of the bony bunion prominence on the outside of the foot.  In addition, it is frequently necessary to cut and reset the involved metatarsal bone to assure adequate alignment and relief of related pain.  In these cases, bone screws, pins, or other fixation devices may be utilized.  In rare cases, the entire end of the metatarsal bone may be removed. 

• Reduced or eliminated pain associated with the bunion.
• Reduce the prominence of the bunion.
• Reduce or eliminate painful callus formation, if present.

Possible Alternatives to Surgery

• Orthopedic shoes or other shoe modifications
• Pads or shields
• Medications – oral or injected
• Physical therapy/ice massage
• Orthoses, padded insoles, and trimming of callus, if present

Potential Complication/Risks

Stiffness; Prolonged swelling; Prolonged pain; Replacement of bunion with deep scar (fibrosis); Delayed healing or non-healing of skin, soft tissue,  or bone; Circulation disturbance of skin, soft tissue or bone; Infection of soft tissue or bone; Nerve injury or numbness; Unsightly or painful scar; Under-correction; Recurrence; Incomplete relief of pain; Arthritis; Weakness of the toe; Change in toe alignment; Shortening of the toe; Callus or pain under adjacent portion of the ball of the foot; Intolerance of the fixation device; Change in shoe size; Hematoma or bleeding complication; Phlebitis; Mild to life threatening reaction to medications and/or anesthesia.

Usual Post-Operative Care/Recovery

Walk in a surgical shoe immediately after surgery with crutches or other assistive device; use elevation, rest, water-tight ice packs and prescribed medications for pain and swelling control’ keep bandages dry and in place for approximately two weeks; sutures are removed in approximately two weeks; pins, if used are removed in 3-6 weeks; utilize anti-swelling and anti-stiffness physical therapy for one to six months; return to loose shoes or sneakers in approximately 2 to 8 weeks; return to fashionable shoes in one to four months; return to sedentary activities and/or occupation in one to six weeks return to demanding activities and/or occupation in one to four months; possible use of orthoses long term.

-OR-

Wear a cast and/or cast splint for up to six weeks; use crutches, and place absolutely no weight on the foot for three to six weeks; use elevation, rest, water-tight ice packs, and prescribed medications for pain and swelling control; keep cast dry; sutures are removed in approximately two weeks; utilize anti-swelling and anti-stiffness physical therapy for one to six months; return to loose shoes or sneakers in approximately 6 to 9 weeks; return to fashionable shoes in two to four months; return to sedentary activities and/or occupation in one to eight weeks; return to demanding activities and/or occupation in two to four months; possible use of orthotics long-term.

For more information, please read our Tailors Bunions document.