Purpose of the study: Fifty hallux-valgus were treated with Scarf Osteotomy of the first metatarsal, associated to a phalangeal varisation or shortening osteotomy and an adductor plasty. Patients were evaluated with a minimum follow-up of two years.
Material and methods: Forty five females and two males were operated with an average age of fifty years. The pre operative metatarsus varus was of 15 degrees 8. Mean alignment of metatarsal bar was 31 degrees 4. The cuneo-metatarsal joint was twenty two times spheric and twenty eight times plane. The average metatarso-phalangeal great toe valgus was 39 degrees 8.
Results: They were appreciated with a minimal follow-up of two years, according to the 3 Groulier's criteria: correction of deformation, statics troubles, functional activity. The metatarsus varus improved with an average of 10 degrees 4, as well as the alignment of the metatarsal bar (25 degrees). The post operative average phalangeal valgus was 22 degrees 7. These results were statistically significant. Cuneo-metatarsal joint type did not influenced final result. Articular joint line was normal in 64% of cases. Global result was excellent or good in 70%, passable in 22%, and bad in 8% of cases.
Discussion: Scarf Osteotomy of the first metatarsal allows complete correction of metatarsus varus. The surgical approach can be proposed at every age. There are no vascular trouble or arthrosis worsening. It must be completed with a phalangeal varisation or shortening osteotomy and adductor plasty.