Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus deformity: a prospective study with 8 years of clinical and radiologic follow-up.

Background: Scarf midshaft metatarsal osteotomy has become increasingly popular as a treatment option for moderate-to-severe hallux valgus deformities because of its great versatility. Numerous studies on Scarf osteotomy have been published. However, no prospective studies were available until 2002. Since then, only short-term follow-up prospective studies have been published. We present the results of a prospective study of 21 patients treated by Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus with follow-up of 8 years.

Methods: Between August 1, 1999, and October 31, 1999, 23 patients (23 feet) with moderate-to-severe hallux valgus deformity were included. Clinical (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score) and radiologic (hallux valgus angle, first intermetatarsal angle, and sesamoid position) evaluations were performed preoperatively and 1 and 8 years postoperatively.

Results: Clinical evaluation showed a significant improvement in the mean forefoot score from 47 to 83 (of a possible 100) at 1 year (P < .001). Radiographic evaluation showed significant improvement in the hallux valgus angle (mean improvement, 19 degrees ; P < .001) and in the intermetatarsal angle (mean improvement, 6 degrees ; P < .001). These clinical and radiographic results were maintained at the final evaluation 8 years postoperatively.

Conclusions: Scarf osteotomy tends to provide predictable and sustainable correction of moderate-to-severe hallux valgus deformities.