title: Scarf osteotomy for the correction of hallux valgus: midterm clinical outcome.
abstract: We prospectively reviewed 22 patients (31 feet) who underwent a scarf osteotomy between January 2001 and March 2002. There were 20 females and 2 males. Ages ranged from 35 to 77 years (mean = 57 years). American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores improved from a preoperative mean of 47.94 +/- 13.57 and increased significantly to 96.10 +/- 6.15 (P < .01) after 12 months. The hallux valgus angle improved in all patients from a preop mean of 31.4 +/- 8.0 degrees to 11.0 +/- 10.8 degrees at 12 months. The intermetatarsal angle improved from 13.0 +/- 4.2 degrees to 6.1 +/- 3.2 degrees. All of these changes were significant. Bony union was achieved in all patients. There were no significant changes in peak pressure, pressure/time, or force/time pedobarography noted after 12 months. Significant improvement in pain scores from preoperative mean of 21.29 +/- 11.0 to 32.90 +/- 9.57 at 5 years (P < .01) was noted and 90.9% of patients remained satisfied with the operation and would recommend the procedure. There were 2 complications. One patient experienced a traumatic neuroma and another avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal head. The scarf osteotomy is a safe and effective procedure with reproducible and excellent medium-term results.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic SHO, Trauma and Orthopaedics, The Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital, Eaton Road, Liverpool, UK. sjlipscombe@lycos.com
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lipscombe
authors.forename: Andy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Molloy
authors.forename: Siva
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sirikonda
authors.forename: Mike S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Hennessy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006215:Hallux Valgus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008684:Metatarsus / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome