Purpose: Scarf osteotomies are commonly performed in adults with symptomatic bunions. We have reported the radiological and clinical outcome of this procedure in the treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus among adolescent children.

Methods: Data was collected retrospectively from a tertiary referral children hospital between April 2001 and June 2006. The pre and postoperative intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA) and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) were determined. Patients were followed up for a mean of 8.6 months (3–18).

Results: 23 scarf osteotomies were performed in 16 patients with a mean age of 14.3 years (12–18). The mean pre operative IMA of 14.4 degrees was improved to a postoperative value of 9.3 degrees, p< 0.0001. The mean HVA angle was improved from 34.7 to 16.5 degrees, p< 0.0001. The DMAA was improved from 13.1 to 8 degrees, p< 0.0001. There were 2 cases of superficial wound infections successfully treated with oral antibiotics. One patient developed a complex regional pain syndrome that resolved with physiotherapy and analgesia.

Conclusion: We believe that scarf osteotomy is a safe and effective option for the management of the adolescent symptomatic bunions.

Significance: There are no published reports in the English literature of scarf osteotomy in the management of adolescent children with symptomatic hallux valgus. The aim of this paper is to report the radiological and clinical outcome of scarf osteotomy in the treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus among adolescent children.