The Scarf osteotomy: a salvage procedure for recurrent hallux valgus in selected cases.
BACKGROUND
The Scarf osteotomy was described as a technique to correct a metatarsus primus varus in primary hallux valgus surgery, but it is unclear whether the technique could correct recurrent hallux valgus when an initial procedure failed to provide any or an adequate lateral displacement of the metatarsal head.


OBJECTIVE
We asked whether the Scarf osteotomy could reduce pain, improve the AOFAS score, reduce the deformity, and prevent further recurrence when used as a revision procedure.


METHODS
Of 41 patients (45 feet) we treated for failed initial operations, we retrospectively reviewed 35 (39 feet) who underwent a Scarf osteotomy. We administered a VAS for pain and the AOFAS score preoperatively and postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were taken to assess the hallux valgus angle [HVA] and intermetatarsal angle [IMA]. The minimum followup was 24 months (mean, 42 months; range, 24-89 months).


RESULTS
The mean VAS for pain improved from 5.9 to 0.4 points. The mean AOFAS score improved from 56 to 90 points. The radiographic evaluation showed improvement of the mean HVA from 30 degrees to 8 degrees and improvement of the IMA from 13 degrees to 4 degrees. Complications included one asymptomatic recurrence with a 20 degrees -HVA, one overcorrection with a 3 degrees-varus deformity, and pain attributable to irritation caused by screws in five patients.


CONCLUSIONS
As a revision procedure the Scarf osteotomy clinically and radiographically corrected recurrent hallux valgus recurrence in most patients.


METHODS
Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Bock
Peter
P
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Danube Hospital, Vienna, Langobardenstrasse 122, 1220 Vienna, Austria. bock_p@yahoo.com
Lanz
Ulrich
U
Kröner
Andreas
A
Grabmeier
Georg
G
Engel
Alfred
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017760:Bone Malalignment / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005545:Forefoot, Human / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D006215:Hallux Valgus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome