Bunionette deformity corrected with "shortening" scarf osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal: mid-term results of a 34-cases

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes (in mid-term) after "shortening" scarf osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal for the treatment of bunionette deformity. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the functional score - American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Lesser Toe Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale, radiographic results - 4th/5th intermetatarsal angle, varus angle of the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint and complications in a consecutive series of 34 feet (27 patients) with bunionette. Nine males and 18 females (mean age: 45 years) were included in the study. Three males and four females were operated bilaterally The patients were operated on between 2004 and 2015, and evaluated during 2017. Results: The average AOFAS score improved from 59.4 to 93 at a mean follow-up of 7.2 years. The 4th/5th intermetatarsal angle and varus angle of the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint decreased from 13.9 degrees/19.5 degrees preoperatively to 6 degrees/5.9 degrees at final follow-up. No neurovascular damage was recorded. Complications arose in five feet (14.7%): delayed union (n = 1), early infection (n = 1), distal screw migration (n = 1), asymptomatic non-union (n = 1), transverse metatarsalgia (n = 1). The osteotomy healed within less than three months except twoo (delayed union, non-union). Three feet needed additional surgery: screw removal (n = 2), Weil osteotomy of 2nd-4th metatarsals (n = 1). Conclusions: "Shortening" scarf osteotomy is an acceptable, but not complication-free, treatment option for the bunionette deformity and offers promising results in the mid-term. (c) 2019 European Foot and Ankle Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.