Background: Despite Scarf osteotomy was described earlier in the twentieth century, it was popularized later in 2000 after modification of the original technique. The combined Scarf-Akin osteotomies were described for surgical correction of the hallux valgus but with no significant consideration for the patient satisfaction.
Methods: Twenty three patients with unilateral painful hallux valgus deformity were treated with combined Scarf and Akin osteotomies. All patients were evaluated clinically (using AOFAS - HMI scale scores) and radiologically (HVA, IMA, union, evidence of degenerative changes, joint congruity) after 12 months follow up. All the patients were then asked about their satisfaction and if they would undergo the same surgery under similar circumstances in the future.
Results: There were 15 females and 8 males with an average age 38.8±2.4 years. The mean preoperative AOFAS was 55.4 that significantly improved to 87.2 postoperatively (P < .001). There was a significant reduction of the mean HVA and the mean IMA pre- and postoperatively (p=0.03, and 0.034 respectively). One patient complained of a prominent screw postoperatively, while two patients suffered from superficial wound infection. At 12 months postoperatively, all operated patients were satisfied with their results and indicated that they would be happy to undergo surgery again under similar circumstances.
Conclusion: Despite the short follow up period in our study, the combined scarf and Akin osteotomies is safe and effective method for treatment for hallux valgus deformity that provides statistically significant clinical and radiographic improvements with excellent patient satisfaction.
Level of evidence: level IV case series study. |
