Short Scarf Osteotomy for Moderate Hallux Valgus

Kwon, Soon Yong; Gil, Ho Jin; Chung, Jin Wha

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical results of short scarf osteotomy that has minimized longitudinal cut for moderate hallux valgus.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Total 12 patients (12 feet) were reviewed by medical records and radiographs. All patients were female and the mean age at the time of operation was 41.5 years. The mean followup time was 21.2 months. We modified original scarf osteotomy by shortening the longitudinal cut to 15~20 mm in length. Additionally, Akin osteotomy of the first proximal phalanx was done in 7 feet and Weil osteotomy of the second metatarsal was done in 4 feet. First-second intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles were analyzed radiographically before and after the operation. And the clinical result was assessed by AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) hallux score.
RESULTS
First-second intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles were reduced from the mean preoperative values of 14.6degrees and 32.8degrees to 6.5degrees and 11.2degrees, respectively. The mean AOFAS hallux score was increased from 52.4 points preoperatively to 88.2 points at followup. Three complications were found: metatarsal fracture during the operation, painful scar around second metatarsal head after Weil osteotomy and postoperative neuralgia. There was no transfer metatarsalgia or recurrence of hallux valgus during followup.
CONCLUSION
Short scarf osteotomy would be an effective surgical procedure for moderate hallux valgus with the benefits of minimized soft tissue dissection and stable fixation.