A total of 48 patients (56 feet; average age 37 years) with a flexible overlapping fifth toe deformity were followed up after soft tissue release and transfer of the extensor digitorum longus tendon; 40 patients (48 feet) were re-evaluated clinically after 11.4 months (range 9-26 months). Postoperative complications were sensory disturbance at the lateral side of the fifth toe (n = 5), superficial wound slough (n = 3). Follow-up results included broad and hypertrophic scars at the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint (n = 16), physiological alignment of the fifth toe in 37 feet (77.1%), overcorrection (interdigital space 4/5 > 3 mm) in 4 feet (8.3%), undercorrection in 7 feet (14.6%). In 4 feet the undercorrection could be attributed to a Tailor's bunion deformity, which was not treated appropriately.