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PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The outcome of surgical treatment in hallux valgus is sometimes unsatisfactory for both the patient and the surgeon. The valgus position of the big toe in the metatarsophalangeal joint is associated with a deviation to varus of the first metatarsal, resulting in the space between the first and second metatarsals called the intermetatarsal (IMT) angle. In most patients the angle is between 10 and 20 degrees. These patients were indicated for scarf osteotomy as this method has been reported to achieve good outcomes. The results are compared with the relevant literature data on foot osteotomy.
MATERIAL Our group involved 62 scarf osteotomies carried out on 49 patients who were followed up for an average of 18 months (range, 6-36 months). Three patients underwent surgery on both feet in one stage, five had bilateral surgery in two stages. The average pre-operative IMT angle was 16 degrees (range, 9-21 degrees) and the average hallux valgus angle was 37 degrees.
METHODS The patients were indicated for surgery on the basis of subjective complains and weight-bearing radiographs. Scarf osteotomy was performed by the Barouk technique. From a signle incision in the first intermetatarsal space, the lateral articular capsule was released, adductor tendon was dissected and sesamoid bones were reduced. The first metatarsal was exposed from an incision along its medial axis, the bunion was excised and Z-osteotomy of the metatarsal was performed. The distal fragment was shifted laterally, fixed with two 3.5 mm Poldi screws, and the capsule was closed under tension with transosseal suture. If necessary, an additional procedure on the big toe phalanges or osteotomy of the other metatarsals are carried out.From the second post-operative day the patients were allowed to walk on the heel, after removal of sutures they walked wearing a special sandal and, from the third week onwards, full weight-bearing was allowed. The average hospital stay lasted 4 days. The evaluation of post-operative results was based on radiograms, subjective feelings of the patients and clinical assessment of the range of big toe motion.
RESULTS Out of 62 operations carried out on 49 patients (average age, 41.5 years), 23 were performed on the right and 23 on the left foot; bilateral surgery was carried out in three patients in one stage and in five patients in two stages. Simultaneously, the Weil osteotomy was performed on six feet, Akin osteotomy of the big toe phalanges on five feet, Braggard surgery of the second toe on three feet, and scarf osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal on three feet. All feet were indicated for scarf osteotomy because of pain and, in 56 feet, also esthetic reasons were involved. The patients' subjective post-operative assessments were as follows: satisfaction with the outcome in 58 feet, pain associated with tight shoes in two feet, pain while walking in six feet, and dissatisfaction with the big toe shape in one patient.The average IMT angle of 16 degrees and hallux valgus angle of 37 degrees on the pre-operative radiograms showed improvements to 9 degrees and 18 degrees, respectively, on the post-operative X-ray. The sesamoid bones were reduced in all cases. After surgery the average range of motion was restricted as follows: plantar flexion by 7 degrees (to 23 degrees) and dorsal flexion by 6 degrees (to 54 degrees). The complications included one fracture of the head requiring osteosynthesis, one failure of fixation with repeat valgus osteotomy, three cases of insufficient correction of a valgus position that had to be treated by additional osteotomy of the first toe phalanges.
DISCUSSION Out of other types of osteotomy (Funk, Dega, spike osteotomy), outcomes similar to scarf osteotomy have been achieved only by the Austin procedure. However, in this, shifting of the distal fragment is limited and the results show that the Austin method should be preferred in deformities with an IMT angle of about 10 degrees. Scarf osteotomy in addition allows for early weight-bearing, does not produce shortening of the first metatarsal but permits its elongation and elevation by oblique osteotomy, if necessary. It can also be used for the fifth metatarsal. The drawbacks include a more complicated surgical technique and higher risk of complications; shifting of the distal fragment is also limited and, for this reason, scarf osteotomy is not effective in deformities with an IMT angle higher than 20 degrees.
CONCLUSIONS Scarf osteotomy is an effective procedure for a moderate valgus deformity of the big toe with an IMT angle between 10 and 20 degrees. It permits early weight-bearing of the treated extremity. It requires exact pre-operative planning and strict adherence to the operative technique.
Pedographic, Clinical, and Functional Outcome after Scarf Osteotomy.
Lorei TJ, Kinast C, Klarner H, Rosenbaum D. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2006 Jul 10;
Quote:
The aim of this study was to investigate whether a Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus correction achieves a good functional restoration with pain reduction, improved mobility, and hallux loading. Therefore, we prospectively studied 32 patients who had a Scarf osteotomy for unilateral hallux valgus. We performed clinical, radiographic, and pedographic evaluations after a mean followup of 33 months to assess clinical and functional outcomes. The mean postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 89 points. The hallux valgus angle improved from 32.5 degrees to 6.2 degrees , and the intermetatarsal angle improved from 15.5 degrees to 6.6 degrees . The postoperative pedographic patterns showed that the maximum force and impulse decreased under the lateral forefoot and increased under the medial forefoot and hallux. The first ray became more important in the roll-over process. There was a moderate relationship between satisfaction and postoperative hallux valgus angle. The Scarf osteotomy improved the pain situation, the walking capacity, and led to an improved contribution of the hallux in the roll-over process. Therefore, this surgical procedure restores forefoot function and normalizes plantar pressure patterns.
Level of Evidence: Prognostic study, Level II (retrospective study).
What is the Barouk technique? Is that the one taught to Barouk by Lowell Weil?
The paper discusses only the displacement method, not the rotational technique in which considerably greater reduction in I.M. angle can be achieved. Good to see a paper on the subject though.
What is the Barouk technique? Is that the one taught to Barouk by Lowell Weil?
The paper discusses only the displacement method, not the rotational technique in which considerably greater reduction in I.M. angle can be achieved. Good to see a paper on the subject though.
Bill Liggins
Hello Bill
I do not have first hand knowledge of this but talking to those who know Barouk and Scott Weill I am led to believe those surgeons do not like, nor practice, the rotation scarf. Preferring instead the transposition scarf, correction of a very high angle is possible by overlap technique. The overlap can be very aggressive and at times it seems almost as if the medial cortex has been acquainted with the lateral cortex !
Initially sceptical, I have been using this same technique for a while now also. The results can be quite impressive but fixation, without access to the recommended cannulated screw system and / or C-arm, is technically more challenging.
When I started to use the transpositional technique I found it all too easy to result in 'troughing'. For this reason I tend to use the rotational technique, although a patient recently suffered a fracture of the met. - I gather that this has happened elsewhere; also, I have seen avascular necrosis reported with the rotational scarf, although I have yet to experience this. For lesser I.M. angles, I find Austin/distal L techniques perfectly adequate, bearing in mind that the I.M. angle will reduce approximately 2 degrees, simply by removing the distal/proximal tension, as in a Keller. In situations of 1st met. instablility I will use a Lapidus with or without a distal technique. 'Horses for Courses' I suppose.
I remember Barouk and Weil lecturing to the P.A. many years ago. Barouk was very happy to acknowledge that Weil had introduced him to the scarf and both Barouk and Weil disliked the use of their names used for the techniques ascribed to them. Then, both are excellent foot surgeons but I suppose that is the price of fame!
From time to time I find troughing can be a problem especially in the older patient with softer bone. If there are signs of this, and I assess this intra-operatively, before finalising fixation, I will use the rotation osteotomy instead.
Your are quite right of course. Horses for courses it is. I remain fond of the Reverdin Green and the many modifications. A most versatile procedure, when indicated.
Increasingly I feel the same about the Scarf osteotomy - incredibly versatile.
Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus deformity: an intermediate followup of clinical and radiographic outcomes. Foot Ankle Int. 2006 Nov;27(11):883-6
Aminian A, Kelikian A, Moen T
Quote:
BACKGROUND: The scarf osteotomy is a versatile and reproducible procedure for the correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity (intermetatarsal angle 12 to 20 degrees hallux valgus angle 20 to 46 degrees).
METHODS: We evaluated the results of 27 consecutive scarf osteotomies at an average followup of 16.1 months. Radiographic parameters, foot pressure analysis, and AOFAS scores were analyzed before and after surgery.
RESULTS: Hallux valgus angles improved from 34.5 to 16.9 degrees, intermetatarsal angles improved from 15.4 to 10.1 degrees, AOFAS scores improved from 54.5 to 86.5. There was no change between the preoperative and postoperative relative lengths of the first and second metatarsals, defined as the difference between the first and second metatarsal lengths. The measurement was based on the anteroposterior standing radiographs and measured by a line intersecting the midway point at the diaphyseal-metaphyseal junction of the metatarsal and extending from the most proximal to distal aspects of the bone. The angle of Meary (talo-first metatarsal angle) did not change, except in one patient. Foot pressure analysis showed no evidence of transfer metatarsal lesions. The complication rate was 1.1% including superficial infection and recurrence.
CONCLUSIONS: The scarf osteotomy provides a predictable and effective correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformities.
The Scarf osteotomy is now widely used for the correction of hallux valgus. The aim of our study was to evaluate the results after Scarf osteotomy considering patient's satisfaction as well as the clinical and radiological results. Between 1996 and 1999, 72 feet underwent a Scarf osteotomy of the first metatarsal and, in 11 feet, an additional Akin osteotomy of the proximal phalanx, for the correction of hallux valgus (55 patients: 49 female, 6 male; mean age: 52 years). The hallux valgus angle improved significantly, from 32 degrees preoperatively to 18 degrees at follow-up (minimal follow-up: 6 years; mean: 7.5 years). A second operation was necessary in two patients because of recurrence of hallux valgus, and a fusion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was performed in two patients. At the time of latest follow-up 78% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the result. The Scarf osteotomy combined with Akin's closing wedge osteotomy is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of moderate hallux valgus deformities.
Scarf versus chevron osteotomy in hallux valgus: a randomized controlled trial in 96 patients.
Deenik AR, Pilot P, Brandt SE, van Mameren H, Geesink RG, Draijer WF. Foot Ankle Int. 2007 May;28(5):537-41.
Quote:
BACKGROUND: The degree of correction of hallux valgus deformity using a distal chevron osteotomy is reported as limited. The scarf osteotomy is reported to correct large intermetatarsal angles (IMA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate if one technique gave greater correction of the IMA and hallux valgus angle (HVA) than the other.
METHODS: After informed consent, 96 feet in 83 patients were randomized into two treatment groups (49 scarf and 47 chevron osteotomies). The results were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hallux Valgus Scale and radiographic HVA and IMA measurements.
RESULTS: At 27 (range 23-31) months followup both groups improved. The AOFAS score in the chevron group improved from 48 to 89 points and in the scarf group from 47 to 91 points. In the chevron group the HVA corrected from 30 to 17 degrees, and in the scarf group the HVA corrected from 29 to 18 degrees. In both groups, the IMA was corrected from 13 to 10 degrees. The differences were not statistically significant. Three patients in the chevron group developed a partial metatarsal head necrosis. In the scarf group, four patients developed grade 1 complex regional pain syndrome compared to one patient in the chevron group.
CONCLUSIONS: No differences of statistical significance could be measured between the two groups with respect to the AOFAS score, HVA, and IMA. Although both groups showed good to excellent results, we favor the chevron osteotomy because the procedure is technically less demanding.
Complications of first ray osteotomies: a consecutive serie of 475 feet with first metatarsal Scarf osteotomy and first phalanx osteotomy.
Hammel E, Abi Chala ML, Wagner T.
Service d'Orthopédie Traumatologie, Centre Hospitalier de Pau, 4, boulevard Hauterive, 64046 Pau Université Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot. 2007 Nov;93(7):710-9.
Quote:
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Available studies on Scarf osteotomies of the first metatarsal (M1) and first phalange (P1) shortening and varus displacement have reported good results, but have have not focused on complications. We reviewed a consecutive series of 475 feet operated on over a five year period. Our goal was to determine the incidence of complications and to compare our data with reports in the literature. We wanted to know if association with Weil osteotomy on the lateral metatarsals affects the rate of complications.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used the following inclusion criteria: hallux valgus > 35 degrees , adult subject, with or without impact on the lateral ray, no prior foot surgery, no systemic disease, no other co-morbid condition. We distinguished two groups: group 1 with isolated first ray disease, and group 2 with hallux valgus and lateral metatarsalgia requiring surgery.
RESULTS: We determined the incidence of each complication. Metatarso-phalangeal joint (MTP1) stiffness was the most frequent complication: incidence declined with postoperative time: 41.7% at day 35, 5.7% at day 120. The joint was very stiff with defective pulp weight-bearing in 1.3% of the feet at 12 months. Late wound healing was observed in 5.7% of feet and secondary osteotomy displacement in 1%. Incidence of other complications, including operative site infection, was less than 1%. General complications were: reflex dystrophy (1.3%) and deep vein thrombosis (0.6%). Excepting a longer period of postoperative stiffness, we were unable to identify any change in the rate of postoperative complications in feet with an associated Weil osteotomy of the first ray.
DISCUSSION: Our findings confirm that Scarf M1 osteotomies with varus shortening of P1 generates fewer complications than the techniques used earlier. Certain complications have disappeared: nonunion after M1 and P1 osteotomy, great toe claw, symptomatic iatrogenic hallux valgus. Complications with a very low incidence in all series are: operative site infection, osteonecrosis of the M1 head, fracture of M1 at weight bearing. Notching of the two osteotomy pieces with elevation of the metatarsal head and transfer metatarsalgia has been reported by authors using short diaphyseal osteotomies. A stiff MTP1 remains the most frequent complication. Overtly stiff joints (30% loss of range of motion) were observed in 4.6% of our patients at 12 months; 1.3% had major stiffness (20 degrees extension, 0 degrees plantar flexion). This stiffness has been reported by others using the same technique but the risk factors have not been identified.
CONCLUSION: This prospective work enabled us to establish the rate of secondary complications of first ray surgery for M1 Scarf osteo-tomy and P1 osteotomy. Complications are rare, a further argument favoring use of these osteotomies. This statistical study enables us discuss the risk of complications at the preoperative interview, keeping in mind the specific elements inherent in each particular situation.
The authors reviewed the records of 8 patients who underwent a distraction scarf osteotomy of the first metatarsal, and report the radiographic outcomes achieved with this procedure. The osteotomy was used to reestablish or maintain the length of the first metatarsal, without the use of a structural bone graft. The osteotomy was used as part of a revisional procedure for a failed bunionectomy in 4 patients. In the remaining patients, the procedure was used to preserve the length of the first metatarsal in conjunction with a Lapidus arthrodesis. The first and second metatarsals were measured radiographically, and the length of the first metatarsal was expressed as a percentage of the length of the second metatarsal. The average proportional increase in first metatarsal length obtained in the patients undergoing correction of the shortened first metatarsal was 7.08%, and the difference between the pre- and postoperative length of the first metatarsal was statistically significant (P = .0013) in these patients. Relative shortening of the first metatarsal was avoided in those patients undergoing distraction scarf osteotomy in conjunction with Lapidus arthrodesis.
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
Background
Hallux valgus is a common forefoot condition, with numerous operations described to correct the deformity. Debate remains as to the relative importance of correcting the position of the sesamoid apparatus.
Methods
Forty-six cases were reviewed. Preoperative and post-operative X-rays were used to measure forefoot width, inter-metatarsal angle (IM), hallux valgus (HV) angle and sesamoid position (Reynolds stations). Satisfaction was assessed via questionnaire.
Results
Significant improvements were seen in all radiological parameters. 37/43 patients were satisfied with the result. Comparison between the satisfied and non-satisfied group revealed significant differences in the IM angle (p < 0.05) and HV angle (p < 0.05). However, patient satisfaction was not associated with post-op sesamoid position or change in sesamoid position (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
This study showed that scarf osteotomy, can successfully correct hallux valgus, with high levels of satisfaction. Satisfaction is associated with a greater correction of deformity. Improvement in sesamoid position was not associated with patient satisfaction
" However, in this, shifting of the distal fragment is limited and the results show that the Austin method should be preferred in deformities with an IMT angle of about 10 degrees. "
Ridiculous!
Steve
__________________
DrSArbes
Fellow American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons
Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgery, ABPS
Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA
PURPOSE: We have reported the radiological and clinical outcome of scarf osteotomy in the treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus among adolescent children.
METHOD: Data were collected retrospectively between April 2001 and June 2006. The pre- and post-operative intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA) and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) were determined. Patients were followed up for a mean of 37.6 months.
RESULTS: Thirteen patients with 19 operated feet were available at the time of the latest follow-up. There was significant improvement in the mean post-operative IMA, which was maintained to the last follow-up. There was statistically significant improvement in the 6-week post-operative HVA and DMAA. However, this was lost at the final follow-up. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score for the whole group was 80 (54-100).
CONCLUSION: This study indicates that scarf osteotomy should be used with caution in symptomatic adolescent hallux valgus, as there is a high recurrence rate.
Minimally invasive distal metatarsal osteotomies are becoming broadly accepted for correction of hallux valgus. We compared the duration of surgery, the length of hospital stay, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) in 36 patients who underwent a minimal incision subcapital osteotomy of the first metatarsal with 36 matched patients who had hallux valgus corrected by a scarf technique. The minimum follow-up was 2.1 years (mean, 2.5 years; range, 2.1-3.2 years). Patients having the osteotomy had similar AOFAS and FAOS scores with less operating time and earlier discharge. Less operative time may benefit the patients, and earlier discharge has financial implications for the hospital.
Prospective comparative study of the scarf and ludloff osteotomies in the treatment of hallux valgus.
Robinson AH, Bhatia M, Eaton C, Bishop L. Foot Ankle Int. 2009 Oct;30(10):955-63.
Quote:
BACKGROUND: This study compares two diaphyseal osteotomies (scarf and Ludloff) which correct moderate to severe metatarsus primus varus. This is a single surgeon, prospective cohort study with clinical and radiological follow~up at 12 months.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 57 patients in each group. Both groups were similar in terms of age, gender and preoperative deformity. Clinical assessment included visual analogue scale questionnaires for subjective assessment and functional activities and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Standardized weight bearing radiographs were analyzed.
RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at 6 and 12 months in subjective satisfaction, AOFAS score, improvement in functional activities and range of movements. The improvement in pain (at best) and transfer lesions at 12 months was significantly better in the scarf group (p < 0.05). The radiological results at 6 and 12 months including intermetatrsal angle (p < 0.001), hallux valgus angle (p < 0.01), distal metatarsal articular angle and seasmoid position (p < 0.05) were significantly better in the scarf osteotomy group. There were three cases (5%) of delayed union in the Ludloff group. Two of these healed with dorsiflexion malunion. One patient in the Ludloff osteotomy group developed a complex regional pain syndrome. There were two wound complications in the scarf group.
CONCLUSION: Overall the patients who had a scarf osteotomy had a superior outcome at 6 and 12 months.
Scarf osteotomy outcomes
Linear Mode
