Lengthening scarf osteotomy for recurrent hallux valgus.

Background: We describe using the scarf osteotomy to correct a recurrent hallux valgus deformity and lengthen the shortened first metatarsal in symptomatic iatrogenic first brachymetatarsia.

Methods: Thirty-six lengthening scarf osteotomies were undertaken in 31 patients. Clinical and radiographic measures were taken pre and postoperatively.

Brachymetatarsia of the fourth metatarsal, lengthening scarf osteotomy with bone graft.

A 16-year-old girl presented with left fourth metatarsal shortening causing significant psychological distress. She underwent lengthening scarf osteotomy held with an Omnitech(®) screw (Biotech International, France) with the addition of two 1 cm cancellous cubes (RTI Biologics, United States). A lengthening zplasty of the extensor tendons and skin were also performed.