The modified scarf osteotomy in the treatment of tailor's bunion: midterm follow-up

The aim of this study was to present the midterm results of modified scarf osteotomy in the treatment of tailor's bunion. From 2004 to 2011, 23 modified scarf osteotomies (with the fifth metatarsal shortening) were performed in group of 18 patients for the treatment of tailor's bunion. The mean follow-up period was 58.8 (range: 24-89) months. Patients were evaluated retrospectively--clinically and radiographically, using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scoring system with weight-beared radiographs at the end of 2013. Five males and thirteen females (mean age: 46.5 years) were included in the study. Two males and three females were operated bilaterally. Average American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scores were 59.8 preoperatively and 92.3 at the final follow-up. Three patients had complications: delayed union, superficial wound infection and distal screw migration. The modified scarf osteotomy in the correction of tailor's bunion offers promising results in the midterm.