RESUMO
PURPOSE: Recurrence is one of the most common complications after primary correction for hallux valgus deformities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of Scarf osteotomy with axial decompression in the treatment of recurrent hallux valgus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2006 to April 2011, 14 cases (12 patients) of recurrent hallux valgus were managed with shortening Scarf osteotomy. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were reviewed for the measurement of the hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and the amount of the 1st metatarsal shortening. Clinical outcomes including the visual analogue scale (VAS), the AOFAS score, and the range of motion [ROM] of the 1st metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean HVA decreased from 27.9 degrees to 5.2 and the mean IMA decreased from 12.9 to 3.4. The mean VAS improved from 5.3 to 0.3 and the mean AOFAS score improved from 41 to 90. The mean amount of the 1st metatarsal shortening was 3.4 mm (2-5). The mean ROM of the 1st MTP joint improved from 22 degrees (15-35) to 68 (55-75). CONCLUSION: Scarf osteotomy associated with axial decompression can be a useful revision procedure for the treatment of recurrent hallux valgus deformity.