Scarf Bunionectomy

Developed in 1976 by J.M. Burutaran, the scarf bunionectomy surgery provides an innovative technique for correcting bunions. As explained by FootPhysicians.com, a bunion is a “bump on the side of the big toe.” This bump occurs when the big toe angles toward the second toe, pushing the toe bones out of regular alignment. The scarf bunionectomy, or scarf osteotomy, corrects multiple complications caused by bunions.

Identification

• The scarf bunionectomy is a surgical procedure used to correct severe or painful bunions. According to the Orthopaedic World Literature Society, the surgery involves removing the prominent bump by cutting and realigning the bones. The surgery also involves repairing the ligaments and supporting structures in the joint. The scarf bunionectomy surgery is typically used in cases of severely prominent or painful bumps, although it may also be used for patients who simply wish to have the deformity corrected.

Benefits

• The scarf bunionectomy features several benefits, according to Dr. Lowell Scott Weil Jr., DPM. Unlike other bunion-correcting surgeries, this one allows the toe joint to maintain a full range of motion, while significantly reducing the angle between the first and second toe. During the scarf bunionectomy, the surgeon can also easily elongate or shorten the first toe if necessary.

Recovery

• After the bunionectomy scarf surgery, the patient's foot gets placed in a postoperative surgical shoe. Neither a cane nor crutches will be necessary. Patients should limit activity to a minimum, only bearing weight on the foot during necessary activities, such as using the restroom. The elastic bandage should be removed daily. Before rewrapping the bandage, the patient should gently exercise the subtalar joint and ankle.

  Approximately one week after the scarf bunionectomy, the doctor removes all bandages. At this time, the patient should have an X-ray and begin physical therapy. The surgery requires no stitches or staples and the patient simply leaves the small bandages in place until they fall off on their own. At this time, patients should begin wearing comfortable athletic shoes that offer a roomy fit. Extensive weight bearing and physical activity should be limited for an additional five to six weeks. Another X-ray should be taken after the seventh week. According to PodiatryToday.com, full recovery from the scarf osteotomy surgery takes at least three to five months, but may take up to one year. During this long recovery, patients will likely experience limited range of motion and swelling.

Medications

• During the surgery, the patient typically receives a sedative drug intravenously, along with a local anesthetic drug. This combination of medications not only puts the patient to sleep, but also inhibits the sensation of pain near the surgical area. After the surgery, patients will typically be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a maximum of 10 days, which reduce swelling and pain. If necessary, doctors may prescribe a mild analgesic drug to relieve pain.

Complications

• As with any surgery, complications may arise after the scarf bunionectomy. These include stress fractures, severe arthritis, nerve damage, overcorrection, undercorrection, joint stiffness and recurrence.