Scarf osteotomy for the correction of adolescent hallux valgus

Adolescent hallux valgus deformity is a complex surgical condition. Although several techniques have been described to correct this deformity in adults, limitations exist for adolescents because of the presence of open growth plates and high recurrence rates. This retrospective study reports results of 7 patients (14 feet) using the Scarf osteotomy for correction of adolescent hallux valgus deformity. All patients underwent concomitant bilateral hallux valgus surgery. Radiographic evaluation measures included intermetatarsal 1-2 angle, hallux valgus angle, and distal metatarsal articular angle. Data recorded from the lateral radiograph evaluated the first metatarsal declination angle. Postoperative patient satisfaction was assessed using a standard patient satisfaction survey. Postoperative, subjective, and objective measurements were calculated using the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) Scoring Scale for the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint and First Ray and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scoring Scale. Average patient age and follow-up were 14.43 years and 57 months, respectively. There was 100% maternal inheritance of hallux valgus deformity. The average postoperative ACFAS Metatarsophalangeal Joint and First Ray Scale (module 1) score was 94.72, and the average AOFAS Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale score was 96.43. Complications included 1 patient who underwent revision surgery on 1 foot 18 years after the date of index surgery because of painful recurrence of the deformity. The authors believe the Scarf osteotomy is a safe, effective, and versatile procedure for the correction of juvenile and adolescent hallux valgus deformity.