Proximal fragment intermetatarsal angle (PFIA) increases after SCARF osteotomy

• Published in: Foot & ankle orthopaedics 2018-09, Vol.3 (3)
• Main Authors: Prudente Henrique, Baumfeld, Daniel, Nery Caio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2473-0114
• DOI: 10.1177/2473011418S00390

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: Instability of the joint between the medial cuneiform and the first metatarsal is considered as one of the progression factors of Hallux valgus and its recurrence in some cases. We believe that we must increase the intermetatarsal angle of the proximal fragment during the correction by the SCARF osteotomy, seeking the greater degree of instability of this joint. Doing that, we can prevent further varus displacement, as we have reached the greater degree of instability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the SCARF osteotomy is able to increase the varus position of the base of the first metatarsal. Methods: This is a retrospective study with 32 patients with mild, moderate and severe hallux valgus, who were submitted to surgical treatment by the SCARF technique. All patients were operated by the same surgeon. Anteroposterior radiographs of the loaded foot were analyzed in the pre and postoperative (3 months) moments. We developed two measures to evaluate the position of the base of the first metatarsal: The Proximal Fragment Intermetatarsal Angle (PFIA), and the distance between the lateral cortex of the first metatarsal and the medial cortex of the second metatarsal (3 cm from the base of the first metatarsal). All measurements were made with a virtual ruler on magnified digital images and rounded to the nearest 0.1 mm. A 95% confidence interval was considered for statistical significant results (p