Introduction. Recurrence after surgical correction of hallux valgus may be related to coronal rotation of the first metatarsal. The scarf osteotomy is a commonly used procedure for correcting hallux valgus but has limited ability to correct rotation. Using weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT), we aimed to measure the coronal rotation of the first metatarsal before and after a scarf osteotomy, and correlate these to clinical outcome scores. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 16 feet (15 patients) who had a WBCT before and after scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus correction. On both scans, hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle, and anteroposterior/lateral talus-first metatarsal angle were measured using digitally reconstructed radiographs. Metatarsal pronation (MPA), alpha angle, sesamoid rotation angle and sesamoid position was measured on standardized coronal CT slices. Preoperative and postoperative(12 months) clinical outcome scores(MOxFQ and VAS) were captured. Results. Mean HVA was 28.6±10.1 degrees preoperatively and 12.1±7.7 degrees postoperatively. Mean IMA was 13.7±3.8 degrees preoperatively and 7.5±3.0 degrees postoperatively. Before and after surgery, there were no significant differences in MPA (11.4±7.7 and 11.4±9.9 degrees, respectively; p = 0.75) or alpha angle (10.9±8.0 and 10.7±13.1 degrees, respectively; p = 0.83). There were significant improvements in SRA (26.4±10.2 and 15.7±10.2 degrees, respectively; p = 0.03) and sesamoid position (1.4±1.0 and 0.6±0.6, respectively; p = 0.04) after a scarf osteotomy. There were significant improvements in all outcome scores after surgery. Poorer outcome scores correlated with greater postoperative MPA and alpha angles (r= 0.76 (p = 0.02) and 0.67 (p = 0.03), respectively). Conclusion. A scarf osteotomy does not correct first metatarsal coronal rotation, and worse outcomes are linked to greater metatarsal rotation. Rotation of the metatarsal needs to be measured and considered when planning hallux valgus surgery. Further work is needed to compare postoperative outcomes with rotational osteotomies and modified Lapidus procedures when addressing rotation

The Scarf osteotomy has proven to be an effective intervention in the correction of various degrees of hallux valgus deformity. Outcome compares favourably with other bunion surgeries such as the distal or proximal Chevron or crescentic osteotomy. The Scarf osteotomy is a more extensive surgical procedure than other techniques and the technically demanding nature of the procedure requires experience to master. This paper describes peri-operative complications during our early experience of Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus. A case note review was carried out for the first 100 Scarf osteotomy procedures completed by the senior author. There were six patients (6%) with peri-operative complications. Four of these were intra-operative complications including a split of the first metatarsal in three cases, and a shearing of the K wire in one case, and there were two cases of post-operative stress fracture. These complications should be considered by those beginning to master the Scarf osteotomy procedure and by surgeons teaching surgical trainees

The study evaluated and compared the three-dimensional (3-D) changes in geometry of the first metatarsal following scarf osteotomy. All osteotomies were performed on standardised Sawbone® models by consultant orthopaedic surgeons with a sub-specialist interest in foot and ankle surgery. The study considered the inter-surgeon variances in interpretation and performance of the scarf osteotomy with respect to intra-surgeon variances. The analysis used an accurate digitising system to measure and record points on the Sawbone® models in 3-D space. Computer software performed vector analysis to calculate 3-D rotations and translations of the first metatarsal head as well as the inter-metatarsal angle. Bone cut lengths and displacements were measured using a digital Vernier caliper. One surgeon performed the osteotomy ten times to form an intra-surgeon control dataset, while ten different surgeons each did one scarf osteotomy to form an inter-surgeon test dataset. Both surgical groups produced reductions in the 3-D inter-metatarsal angle with non-significant differences between the groups (p> 0.05). In contrast, the test group demonstrated highly significant (p=0.000) greater variance compared with the control dataset for all of the variables (bone cut length, proximal and distal metatarsal displacements plus angulation of the distal fragment) associated with surgical technique. In addition, there were highly significant (p=0.02 and p=0.002) greater variances in the interpretation of the degree to which the metatarsal head should be translated medially (X) and inferiorly (Z). There was also a significant (p=0.001) increase in variances in the rotations about the dorsi/plantarflexion (X) axis. The only significant differences (all p=0.000) attributable solely to differences in mean values were in proximal-distal (Y) translation, pronation (Y) rotation and medial (Z) rotation. The test group applied greater medial and plantarflexion rotation of the metatarsal head than the control surgeon and significantly less (p=0.000) shortening of the first metatarsal than the control surgeon. The results of this geometric study demonstrate the versatility of the scarf osteotomy. In addition, it indicated notable out-of-plane metatarsal head rotations and translations effected by the scarf osteotomy. As a result of the multi-planar nature of the osteotomy, there is a potential risk of producing unintended rotational mal-unions in all three planes. These rotational mal-unions may account for some of the poorer outcomes documented within the literature

Purpose: Scarf osteotomies are commonly performed in adults with symptomatic bunions. We have reported the radiological and clinical outcome of this procedure in the treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus among adolescent children. Methods: Data was collected retrospectively from a tertiary referral children hospital between April 2001 and June 2006. The pre and postoperative intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA) and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) were determined. Patients were followed up for a mean of 8.6 months (3–18). Results: 23 scarf osteotomies were performed in 16 patients with a mean age of 14.3 years (12–18). The mean pre operative IMA of 14.4 degrees was improved to a postoperative value of 9.3 degrees, p< 0.0001. The mean HVA angle was improved from 34.7 to 16.5 degrees, p< 0.0001. The DMAA was improved from 13.1 to 8 degrees, p< 0.0001. There were 2 cases of superficial wound infections successfully treated with oral antibiotics. One patient developed a complex regional pain syndrome that resolved with physiotherapy and analgesia. Conclusion: We believe that scarf osteotomy is a safe and effective option for the management of the adolescent symptomatic bunions. Significance: There are no published reports in the English literature of scarf osteotomy in the management of adolescent children with symptomatic hallux valgus. The aim of this paper is to report the radiological and clinical outcome of scarf osteotomy in the treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus among adolescent children

Scarf osteotomy improves hallux valgus and can be used for deformities with large intermetatarsal angles. It is designed to minimise shortening of the first ray. The aim of this radiographic analysis was to assess the outcome of patients undergoing Scarf osteotomy at the Royal Cornwall Hospital. The initial 18 consecutive cases performed by the senior author were analysed using the guidelines recommended by the American Foot and Ankle Society. Standardised anterior-posterior radiographs of the foot were compared pre-operatively and at 6 weeks postoperatively. Measurements of the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), joint congruency angle (JCA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), sesamoid position and metatarsal length were used to assess any improvement. The results showed a significant median reduction of the IMA of 70, HVA of 180, JCA of 50, and the DMAA of 30 (all p values < 0.001). The medial sesamoid position in relation to the first metatarsal also improved from a mean value of 2.28 to 1 using the American Foot and Ankle Society grading system. There was no shortening of metatarsal length as measured using the Hardy and Clapham method. This study shows that the radiographic outcome of Scarf osteotomy at the Royal Cornwall Hospital compares favourably with that found in the literature. It provides effective correction of moderate to large intermetatarsal angles

Hallux valgus is a common condition often leading to significant symptoms. However, its correction has recently been suggested, to be a procedure of limited clinical value. Scarf osteotomy is one of the most commonly performed operations for hallux valgus correction. Although technically demanding, it is powerful in its capacity to correct the hallux valgus deformity and sufficiently robust with internal fixation to allow early weight bearing. We prospectively collected data for consecutive scarf osteotomies between 2008 and 2011. Preoperative and 6 week postoperative assessment was made using radiographic measurements HVA (hallux-valgus angle) and IMA (inter metatarsal angle). We evaluated 130 scarf osteotomies. The mean HVA improved from 29.5 pre-operatively to 12.6 post correction. The mean IMA improved from 12.4 pre-operatively to 8.1 post correction. The AOFAS hallux scores improved from an average of 55 pre op to 79 post operation. The results suggest that hallux valgus correction does have clinical value and that scarf osteotomy is a reproducible procedure, with a generally good to excellent results in the short term

The SCARF osteotomy is a three dimentional osteotomy for hallux valgus. It combines a lateral release of the adductor hallucis with a lateral and plantar displacement of the first metatarsal. The osteotomy is ‘z’ shaped in the lateral view and displacement of the distal fragment is followed by internal fixation. In this study we set out to determine whether the SCARF osteotomy was an effective method in the correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. A prospective radiographic study was performed on 22 cases of SCARF osteotomy with an average age of 52 years (range 25–78). Standardised weight bearing anterior-posterior radiographs were taken preoperatively and at six months post operatively. The American Foot and Ankle Society guidelines were used for all measurements. Measurements were made using overlay acetate sheets to minimise inter and intra observer error. These were compared to determine changes in the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) and joint congruency angle (JCA). Correction of sesamoid position and metatarsal length changes were also assessed. The results showed a median reduction of IMA of 6 degrees, HVA of 16 degrees, DMAA of 6 degrees and an improvement in JCA of 11 degrees. Improvement of the lateral sesamoid displacement from beneath the first metatarsal head was seen postoperatively. Metatarsal length was assessed by comparing the ratio of the length of the first to second metatarsal pre and post operatively. No shortening was found. There was no incidence of avascular necrosis or non-union. This study indicates that the SCARF osteotomy produces effective radiological correction of hallux valgus where there is moderate to high degree of deformity. It also improves sesamoid displacement and avoids shortening of the first metatarsal

Introduction. Hallux valgus surgical correction has a variable but significant risk of recurrence. Symptoms result from an iatrogenic first brachymetatarsia following the index surgical procedure. First metatarsal shortening has been shown to correlate with the onset of transfer metatarsalgia. We describe the use of the scarf osteotomy to both correct the recurrent deformity and lengthen the shortened first metatarsal. Methods. 36 lengthening scarf osteotomies were undertaken in 31 patients. Clinical (AOFAS and SF12 scores) and radiographic measures (IMA, HVA) were taken pre- and post-operatively. The maximum theoretical lengthening was 10mm, to prevent first MTP joint stiffness post-operatively. The actual lengthening was determined and measured intra-operatively. Results. There were 28 female and three male patients, with mean age at presentation 53.4 years. The mean follow-up was 3.9 years. Four cases were lost to follow-up. The mean first metatarsal lengthening achieved was 4.9mm (range 1–8mm). All of the osteotomies united without complication. The mean IMA reduction was 4.0° (p<0.001) and HVA 13.0° (p<0.001). The mean AOFAS score increase was 33.8 (p<0.001). There was no correlation between change in IMA and AOFAS score (r=−0.13) or between improvement in HVA and AOFAS score (r=−0.02). There was a positive trend but no correlation (r=0.28) between amount of metatarsal lengthening and change in AOFAS score. The inter- and intra-observer correlation was excellent. The SF12 physical sub-domains improved more than the mental sub-domains. Conclusion. We describe the largest series of lengthening scarf osteotomies for recurrent hallux valgus and symptomatic iatrogenic first brachymetatarsia. The significant improvement in both clinical and radiographical measures suggests the procedure is successful, with a low complication rate. Lengthening did not reduce the MTPJ range of movement. We hypothesise that restoring both the length and alignment enables greater weight-bearing under the first metatarsal head, reducing biomechanical transfer metatarsalgia

We prospectively reviewed 24 patients (35 feet) who had been treated by a Scarf osteotomy and Akin closing-wedge osteotomy for hallux valgus between June 2000 and June 2002. There were three men and 21 women with a mean age of 46 years at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up time was 20 months. Our results showed that 50% of the patients were very satisfied, 42% were satisfied, and 8% were not satisfied. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved significantly from 52 points pre-operatively to 89 at follow-up (p < 0.001). The intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles improved from the mean pre-operative values of 15° and 33° to 9° and 14°, respectively. These improvements were significant (p < 0.0001). The change in the distal metatarsal articular angle was not significant (p = 0.18). There was no significant change in the mean pedobarographic measurements of the first and second metatarsals after surgery (p = 0.2). The mean pedobarographic measurements of the first and second metatarsals at more than one year after surgery were within the normal range. Two patients had wound infections which settled after the administration of antibiotics. One patient had an intra-operative fracture of the first metatarsal and one required further surgery to remove a long distal screw which was irritating the medial sesamoids. We conclude that the Scarf osteotomy combined with the Akin closing-wedge osteotomy is safe and effective for the treatment of hallux valgus

Scarf osteotomy is widely used as a surgical treatment for hallux valgus. It is a versatile osteotomy, allowing shortening, depression or medial displacement of the capital fragment but it remains uncertain how stresses within the bone subsequently vary. The aim of this study was to design a computerised model to explore the effect on bone stress of changing the position of bony cuts for a scarf osteotomy. A computerised image was constructed using finite element analysis. This utilises a mathematical technique to form element equations which represent the effect of applied force to the object appropriate to each finite element. Maximum bone stresses were then measured using different osteotomy variables. The osteotomy variables studied were the length of the longditudinal cut, apex of the distal cut to articular cartilage, resection level of the longditudinal cut and combinations of these variables. A saw bone model was used to test the findings of the study. The results of this study show that lowering the longditudinal resection level and shortening via the distal cut beyond 6 mm will decrease bone stress. Additionally, raising the longditudinal resection level and shortening via the proximal cut caused an increase in bone stress. A saw bone model confirmed the findings of the study. In conclusion, our experience is that finite element analysis is a very useful model in studying the bony stresses for a scarf osteotomy and assists in optimising the direction and angle of bony cuts used

This paper tests the null hypothesis that there is no difference in recurrence for mild and moderate hallux valgus treated with Scarf osteotomy in the presence of a disrupted Meary's line compared to an intact line. At a minimum of 3 months follow up we retrospectively analysed radiographs, theatre and clinic notes of 74 consecutive patients treated with Scarf osteotomy for mild and moderate hallux valgus at a single centre. The patients were divided into Group A (n=30) – patients who on pre-operative weight bearing radiographs had a disrupted Meary's line, and Group B (n=44) – those with a normal Meary's line on pre-operative weight bearing radiographs. Our results demonstrate a statistically significant higher recurrence in group A compared to Group B with an odds ratio of 5.2 p = 0.006 [95% CI 1.6–6]. The association between a disrupted Meary's line and increased risk of recurrence for Scarf osteotomy remains valid and strengthened to an odds ratio of 7.1 p = 0.015 [95% CI 1.46 −34.4] when adjusted for confounding variables of age, sex and pre-operative IMA. On this basis we reject the Null hypothesis. In group A two out of 30 patients required revision surgery whilst none of the 44 patients in group B needed revision. In Group A the degree of IMA correction achieved equalled 8.1 degrees with a pre and post IMA of 16.0 and 7.9 degrees respectively. For Group B the degree of correction was 8.0 degrees with a pre and post IMA of 14.3 and 6.3 degrees respectively. Eight complications were reported in Group A and 9 in Group B. Our results demonstrate a statistically significant increased risk of recurrence when scarf osteotomy is performed for mild and moderate hallux valgus in the presence of a disrupted Meary's line

Introduction. The aim of this study was to assess whether routine X-Rays at six weeks altered the subsequent management of patients who underwent a Scarf osteotomy. Materials and Methods. Between 1997 and 2010, 218 consecutive primary scarf osteotomies of the first metatarsal were performed by two foot and ankle surgeons in a single unit. 71 were combined with an Akin closing wedge osteotomy of the proximal phalanx of the great toe and soft tissue release. Additional osteotomies were performed on the lesser toes in 30 cases. Intraoperative X-Rays were taken. We retrospectively looked at clinic letters for all patients who attended six weeks post operatively and recorded the outcomes following X-Rays. Results. 209 patients were assessed six weeks post operatively with radiographs of the foot. 9 patients were lost to follow up. Four patients (1.9%) were identified as having complications at the osteotomy: recurrence of deformity seen in two patients, delayed union with failure of fixation, and painless hypertrophic nonunion. Discussion. Only a very small proportion of patients developed complications at the osteotomy site following a Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus. Both cases of recurrence were diagnosed clinically. Failure of fixation was due to poor patient compliance. No revision procedures were planned for any patients. Conclusion. The senior author no longer requests postoperative X-Rays routinely. We believe that the majority of patients may be safely and successfully assessed clinically following Scarf osteotomy without the need for routine X-Rays

Scarf osteotomy is a z-osteotomy of the 1st metatarsal and is proposed to correct anatomical and functional deformities of hallux valgus. This procedure allows early ambulation and early return of function. This study was conducted to evaluate clinical and paedobarographic results following this procedure in a district general hospital. From August 2000, we prospectively collected the data on 43 feet (32 consecutive patients) followed up for 12 months. We collected the data pre-operatively, 3,6 and 12 months post-operatively using AOFAS score, weight-bearing radiographs and paedobarographs. From the paedobarographs (Musgrave), the forefoot function was evaluated using peak pressure, force time integral and pressure time integrals. Mean total AOFAS score increased from 45.13 pre-operatively to 94.5 post-operatively (p< 0.001). Postoperatively, the hallux valgus angle decreased from 29.83° to 11.79° and 1–2 intermetatarsal angle decreased from 12.48° to 6.37° (p< 0.001). Post-operatively, peak pressure has increased under the 1st metatarsal head and decreased under the 2nd metatarsal head. Force time integral and pressure time integrals also showed similar changes. We have not noticed significant alteration of forefoot pressures under the lateral part of forefoot. Using scarf osteotomy, we achieved good correction of the hallux valgus deformity and significant improvement of AOFAS scores. We also noted alteration of the forefoot function with increased pressure under the 1st metatarsal and reduced pressure under the 2nd metatarsal head. Conclusion: We believe that scarf osteotomy is a versatile and reliable procedure in the management of hallux valgus

Introduction. The strength of the Scarf osteotomy has been compared to that of other metatarsal osteotomies, but the effect of increasing the amount of displacement is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether increasing offset adversly affects the strength of the Scarf osteotomy. Methods. Seven pairs of freah frozen cadaveric feet were tested. Specimens in Group 1 underwent Scarf osteotomy with displacement of one third the mid shaft diameter. Specimens in Group 2 were offset two thirds the midshaft diameter. All osteotomies were fixed using two Barouk screws. Each specimen was tested in cantilever bending using a servohydraulic testing machine. Results. There was no statistically significant difference in strength or stiffness between the two groups. Mean strength was 75.2 N ± 16.8 for Group 1 and 64.8 N ± 28.7 for Group 2 (p> 0.05). Mean stiffness was 12.9 N/mm ± 5.1 for Group I and 10.2 N/mm ± 5.9 for Group 2 (p> 0.05). Discussion. All specimens failed at the proximal extent of the osteotomy. Failure did not occur by screw pullout in either Group. The proximal part of the cut is therefore the weakest part of the construct irrespective of the degree of osteotomy displacement

The fact that a multitude of procedures exist for the correction of hallux valgus indicates that there is no ideal operation for this problem. Hallux valgus correction can be significantly improved by scarf first metatarsal osteotomy. The surgical technique is versatile and strong internal fixation allows early functional recovery. The aim of our study is to analyse the clinical, radiological and functional outcome after scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus correction. Material and Methods: The scarf osteotomy was performed on 65 feet of 48 patients between 1996 and February 2001. The indication was a symptomatic hallux valgus with increased intermetatarsal angle (IMA). The osteotomy was fixed with one/two 2.3mm screws. Mobilisation was allowed with full weight bearing with forefoot orthesis. Fifty-one cases in 39 female patients (12 bilateral feet) were available for follow-up. The mean follow-up was 14 months (range 3–36 months). Patients were interviewed, clinically examined and standing radiographs of operated foot were taken. They were assessed using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hallux Metatarsophalyngeal Inter-phalyngeal clinical rating system in which 100 point are used to compare preoperative and postoperative pain, function and range of motion, shoe wear comfort and activity level and alignment. Results: All osteotomies healed at the time of follow-up. The average value of AOFAS scale was 92 points. Five patients had removal of screws. There were 4 cases of superficial wound infection. All patients have excellent cosmetic and functional results. Conclusion: Our study has demonstrated that scarf osteotomy has proven to offer easy postoperative care and has excellent stable long-term results

Scarf osteotomy is a commonly performed method of hallux valgus correction. Release of deforming lateral soft tissue structures is an integral part of this correction. The aim of this study was to determine if there was any difference in the correction achieved by dorsal and transarticular releases as part of a scarf osteotomy. This radiological study was performed at a single institution. One surgeon utilised the dorsal first web approach for the distal soft tissue release and one the transarticular approach. There were 23 patients in each group. The same post-operative regime was used on both sets of patients. Data was collected on hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and AFS sesamoid scoring. The pre-operative deformity as measured by hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle where similar for both groups (p= 0.25, 0.79 respectively) with a significant difference in severity of AFS scoring in the dorsal group (p < 0.001). Patients who underwent a dorsal approach release had a mean improvement in IMA of 5.46 degrees compared to 3.86 in the transarticular group. The HVA improved by 17.92 degrees in the dorsal group compared to 8.08 in the transarticular group. Both these results were statistically significant (p= < 0.01,< 0.002 respectively). There was a statistically significant difference in number of patients returning to within normal limits of the HVA (p= < 0.05); 18 patients returned to a normal hallux valgus angle after undergoing the dorsal approach compared to 9 patients in the transarticular group. Our study shows that when performing a distal soft tissue release in conjunction with a scarf osteotomy for correction of hallux valgus, a dorsal first web approach is significantly better at correcting the HVA as compared to a transarticular approach. We would, therefore, recommend the use of a dorsal approach when performing this surgery

Introduction: There are more than 150 different methods of surgical correction of hallux valgus deformity. In our institution there is a long tradition of SCARF osteotomy. We hereby present the longterm results of the SCARF. Material & Methods: During the years 1995 and 1996 111 patients with 128 feet were operated on for a hallux valgus deformity by the SCARF osteotomy. Of those, 81 patients with 95 feet could be seen for follow up. The mean age at time of surgery was 50.9 (21–78) years. A clinical and radiographic examination was done. Results: After an average time of 121.9 (107–141) months 92% of the patients were very satisfied with the result of their surgery. The VAS for pain improved from an average of 6.5 to 0.34. The AOFAS score for the forefoot improved from a preoperative average of 54.4 to a postoperative average of 91.6. The radiographic evaluation gave the following results: the preoperative HVA of 31.7° improved to an average of 16.8°; the preoperative IMA of 14.8° improved to an average of 7.6°. The preoperative average dorsal extension of the MTPI did not change very much from 48.6° to 50.6°, the preoperative plantar flexion decreased from an average of 50.6° to 15°. Two patients had to be reoperated because of a recurrent hallux valgus deformity. Five other patients had a recurrent deformity, but did not need any further surgery. We could observe 3 patients with an overcorrection where one needed another surgery. No head necrosis was seen. Conclusion: Overall the SCARF osteotomy gave good and predictable results with a good correction of the deformity and a low potential for recurrence if applied for the right patient group

Introduction: Various techniques are being currently used for the internal fixation of scarf osteotomies. We conducted a prospective study on 23 consecutive cases of hallux valgus treated with scarf osteotomy, which was internally fixed with AO mini fragment screws. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the AO mini fragment screws in these cases. Method: Sixteen women and one man (twenty three feet) were included in our study. Mean age was 46 years at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up time was 18 months. A single surgeon performed surgery. Patients were assessed by clinical and radiological evaluation. Preoperative and postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was obtained. Results: All the osteotomies united without any failure of fixation or hard ware problems. One patient developed superficial wound infection, which responded to antibiotics. At the time of follow-up all the patients were very satisfied. The mean AOFAS score improved significantly from 55 points pre-operatively to 91.95 at follow-up (p < 0.001). The intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles improved from the mean pre-operative values of 15.86° and 31.18 degrees to 9.09° and 15.18°, respectively. These improvements were significant (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: We report no failure of fixation in our series and conclude that this is a safe and simple technique. It is cost effective, provides stable fixation and maintains correction till the union of osteotomy

Purpose of this study. This study was designed to assess the utility of the scarf osteotomy in the management of symptomatic adolescent hallux valgus. Methods. This is a consecutive case series of 30 patients (38 feet) with a mean follow up of 38.2 months (range 6-60 months). The mean age at the time of surgery was 14.2 years (range 10-17 years). American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores (AOFAS) were collected at final follow up, along with a rating of the overall satisfaction. Any complications were recorded. Results. The mean AOFAS score at final follow up was 91.2 (range 54-100). 87% of patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with their final outcome. 1 patient has been listed for revision surgery after symptomatic recurrence at 3 years follow up. Conclusion. We have presented the results of the largest case series of scarf osteotomies for adolescent hallux valgus reported in the literature at this point, as far as we are aware. AOFAS scores at final follow up are comparable to the smaller studies previously reported and provide evidence that good outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction can be achieved. Early follow up demonstrates a low level of recurrence, but long term data is still required

Introduction: Scarf osteotomy is a zosteotomy of 1st metatarsal and is proposed to correct anatomical and functional deformities of hallux valgus. This procedure allows early ambulation without cast and early return of function. However, this is a technically demanding procedure. This study was conducted to evaluate clinical and paedobarographic results following this procedure in a district general hospital. Method and materials: We prospectively collected the data from 71 feet in 54 patients. We collected the AOFAS scores preoperatively, 3 and 6 months. Hallux vagus, 1–2 intermetatarsal angles and sesamiod subluxation were measured from weight bearing radiographs taken preoperatively, 6 weeks and 6 months. We evaluated the forefoot function using peak pressure, force time integral and pressure time integral parts of paedobarographs (Musgrave) preoperatively, 3 and 6 months. Results: Total AOFAS score increased from 43.11 preoperatively to 84.96 at 3 months postoperatively (p< 0.0001, 95% CI of 44.5 to 35.5). The hallux valgus angle decreased from 30.1 to 9.92 at 6 weeks post operatively (p< 0.0001, 95% CI of 22.21 to 18.27). The mean peak pressure under the 1st metatarsal head was reduced from 3.09 (95% CI 2.49 Ð3.70) to 2.25 (95% CI1.80–2.71) at 6 months. The mean peak pressure under the 2nd metatarsal head was reduced from 6.29(95% CI 5.44–7.13) to 5.01 (95% CI 3.98–6.05) at 6 months. Force time and Pressure time integrals also showed similar changes. Conclusions: Scarf osteotomy produced improvement in the postoperative scores, radiological angles and forefoot pressures. In conclusion, scarf osteotomy is a versatile and reliable procedure in the management of hallux valgus