Abstract
Introduction
Hallux Valgus was thought to alter the forefoot function with defuctioning of the first ray with a resulting overloading of the second ray. The scarf osteotomy is a z-osteotomy of the first metatarsal and is proposed to correct anatomical and functional deformities of hallux valgus. This study was conducted to evaluate forefoot pressures using the Musgrave foot print system following this procedure in a district general hospital.
Method
We prospectively collected the data from 43 feet in 31 consecutive patients. We evaluated the forefoot function using peak pressure, force time integral and pressure time integral parts of pedobarographs (Musgrave) pre-operatively, three and six months postoperatively.
Results
The mean peak pressure under the first metatarsal head was reduced from 3.09 (95% CI 2.49 −3.70) to 2.25 (95% CI1.80–2.71) at six months. The mean peak pressure under the second metatarsal head was reduced from 6.29 (95% CI 5.44–7.13) to 5.01 (95% CI 3.98–6.05) at six months. Force time integral under the first metatarsal head was reduced from 1.34 (95% CI 1.06–1.62) to 0.97 (95% CI 0.74–1.19)) at six months. Force time integral under the second metatarsal head also reduced from 2.66 (95% CI 2.27–3.06) to 2.41(95% CI 1.98–2.85). Pressure time integrals also showed similar changes.
Conclusion
Scarf osteotomy produced decrease in the forefoot pressures under the medial part of forefoot. We have not noticed significant alteration of forefoot pressures under the lateral part of forefoot.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr J. L. Barrie. Correspondence should be addressed to Mr J. L. Barrie, BOFSS Editor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 3LR.
