The scarf osteotomy for severe hallux valgus.

We reviewed the outcome of 33 patients (45 feet) treated by scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus deformity with an intermetatarsal (IM) angle equal to or greater than 16 degrees. The average follow-up was 26 months. The hallux valgus angle improved by an average of 21.1 degrees from a preoperative mean value of 32.1 degrees. The IM 1-2 angle improved an average of 9.9 degrees from a preoperative mean value of 18.3 degrees. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score changed from a preoperative average of 35.7 points to 89.8 at follow-up. Our midterm results indicate that the scarf osteotomy provides an effective method for the treatment of severe bunion deformity.