Pedographic, clinical, and functional outcome after scarf osteotomy

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.