Three-Year Follow-Up Results of Combined Short Scarf Osteotomy With Akin Procedure for Hallux Valgus.

The short scarf osteotomy has been developed as a less-invasive method of preserving the soft tissue envelope, at the same time maintaining the strength, correction, and utility of a classic long scarf osteotomy. We carried out a review of 166 short scarf osteotomies performed combined with the Akin procedure with a mean follow-up of 34.6 (range 28 to 38) months. These radiographic parameters were evaluated preoperatively, at 6 weeks, and at 3 years. The functional evaluation was based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hallux metatarsophalangeal interphalangeal scale score. At follow-up, the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hallux metatarsophalangeal interphalangeal scale score improved from a preoperative average of 54.6 to a postoperative average of 92.8 (p < .001). The radiographic evaluation gave the following results: the preoperative hallux valgus angle of 27.92° improved to an average of 11.85° (p < .001); the preoperative inter metatarsal angle of 14.03° improved to an average of 9.64° (p < .001). There were no fractures during the procedure. There were no incidences of infection or recurrence of deformity. Three patients have to undergo metatarsophalangeal joint fusion because of progression of osteoarthritis of the joint. No avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head was seen. The short scarf osteotomy along with Akin procedure is minimally invasive compared to the standard scarf osteotomy. It is a simple technique with good mechanical strength, signifying excellent patient satisfaction while reconstructing normal anatomy and restoring radiological measurements with fewer complications. Crown