Abstract
The Scarf osteotomy is a surgical procedure performed to correct a hallux valgus deformity.
Multiple studies have supported use of the procedure with favorable outcomes. In contrast,
there have been studies showing a significant complication rate with the procedure.
Incidence of complications remains underreported in the literature. We performed a
systemic review and meta-analysis examining a wide range of reported complications
and associated clinical outcomes from the Scarf osteotomy. One hundred and sixteen
publications were identified and twenty-five (21.6%) met our inclusion criteria. A
total of 1,583 Scarf procedures were included. Weighted mean follow up was 26.4 months
[Range 12–168 months]. We found a 5.1% rate of recurrence, 3.5% rate of troughing,
1.0% rate of avascular necrosis (AVN), 1.8% rate of nonunion, 2.7% rate of malunion,
2.4% rate of infection, 5.3% rate of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and 3.4%
rate of hallux varus. An average decrease in intermetatarsal angle (IMA) of 6.3° was
observed. No statistical difference was found in outcomes when comparing Scarf vs
Scarf with additional procedure performed at time of surgery. To our knowledge, this
systematic review and meta-analysis contains the highest number of scarf procedures
analyzed and presents complication rates on multiple adverse outcomes.
Key Words
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Article info
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My institution does not require IRB approval for systematic reviews
Publishing institution does not require IRB approval for systematic reviews
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