Minimally Invasive Versus Open Scarf Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Correction: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Minimally Invasive Versus Open Scarf Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Correction: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study was to compare a minimally invasive scarf technique and the well-established open scarf technique for correction of hallux valgus deformity.

Hallux valgus surgery is a common procedure being the open scarf osteotomy, one of the most studied techniques for correction of the hallux valgus. It is widely reported its capacity to reduce the angle of the first metatarso-phalangeal joint.

Minimally invasive scarf (MIS) technique has been designed to decrease the soft tissue damage and postoperative pain. This procedure does not require ischemia, being able to do under local anesthesia and sedation. This technique is more suitable for outpatient surgery.

There is a lack of studies comparing both techniques, and our purpose is to do a prospective comparative study among the two approaches of the scarf osteotomy: open vs MIS.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Patients undergo hallux valgus surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Intermetatarsal angle >20º
• Previous hallux valgus surgery
• Metatarsalgia of the lesser rays that requires an osteotomy during the surgical procedure
• 1st cuneometatarsal instability
• Infection
• Vascular ischemia
• Neuropathy