Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
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Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Scarf Osteotomy
Scarf Osteotomy surgery is used to treat bunions.
Bunions, also known as Hallux Valgus, are deformities that occur when the big toe deviates towards the smaller toes, leading to a visible bump at the base of the big toe. This bump results from an enlargement or misalignment of the bone or surrounding tissues in the joint at the base of the big toe.
Indications for a Scarf Osteotomy include a painful range of movement in the big toe joint, visible deformity of the joint complex, and discomfort or pain when wearing footwear. The condition may also limit daily activities or lifestyle and can be associated with other foot disorders such as calluses, overlapping toes, or metatarsalgia that result from the bunion deformity.
The Scarf Osteotomy (also known as the Z osteotomy) involves making a long incision, approximately 4 cm in length, along the inner side of the foot near the big toe, extending from the mid-foot toward the toe. Once the incision is made, horizontal cuts are created at both ends of the incision to form a Z-shaped cut in the metatarsal bone, allowing the surgeon to realign the bone and correct the deformity.
- At the toe end -across the top of the foot
- At the end closest to the heel - towards the bottom of the foot.
This creates a Z-shaped cut in the bone, which allows the surgeon to correct the deformity of the big toe joint. Once realigned into the correct position, the big toe is secured permanently using fixing screws or wires, ensuring stability and proper alignment during healing.
The main goals of surgical treatment are to relieve pain and discomfort, restore normal foot function, and correct the misalignment or deformity of the big toe joint to improve overall mobility and comfort.
Physiotherapy is essential following surgery to help reduce pain and swelling, restore range of movement, and retrain a correct and comfortable walking pattern to ensure optimal recovery and long-term foot function.
Symptoms after surgery
Following surgery, it is normal to experience some pain and swelling around the scar site. These symptoms can be effectively managed through pain relief medication, ice therapy (Cryotherapy), and keeping the foot elevated to help minimise discomfort and promote healing.
Physiotherapy after surgery
Physiotherapy following surgery will depend on a number of factors including age, weight, bone density and surgical success. At acephysiosports.com our programme will be determined by the post-operative notes provided by your orthopaedic surgeon.
It may be that you are able to walk immediately following surgery with a surgical boot and crutches for protection for the first 3–4 weeks. If this is the case, acephysiosports.com encourages you to develop a balance between getting up and moving (this will help maintain strength, balance, stamina, and range of movement in the body as a whole) and resting with your affected foot elevated with ice (this will keep swelling to a minimum and pain at bay).
For some patients, particularly those who are elderly or have lower bone density, you may be advised to avoid putting any weight on the affected foot until it has healed (6–8 weeks). During this period, acephysiosports.com will remain actively involved in your recovery. Our physiotherapists will focus on preserving the range of motion and strength in the other joints of your leg (hip, knee, and ankle) through a tailored seated exercise programme. You will also be guided on gentle exercises for your injured foot and taught techniques such as ice therapy (Cryotherapy) to help control pain and swelling.
Once the surgeon has cleared you and your surgical boot has been removed, you will be able to wear wide-toed shoes as tolerated. At this stage, acephysiosports.com physiotherapists will introduce more intensive range-of-motion exercises for your affected foot. They will also guide you in improving your balance and walking technique, ensuring you move safely and confidently. Additionally, our physiotherapists will work with you to achieve your personal goals, whatever these may be.
Summary
A Scarf osteotomy can be used to correct hallux valgus (bunion). The procedure involves creating a Z-shaped incision on the inner side of the foot, through which the bone is repositioned and fixed with screws or pins into the corrected alignment. Recovery following a Scarf osteotomy can take anywhere between 3 and 12 weeks, depending on individual factors. The orthopaedic surgeon will determine whether you can walk immediately or need to wait until healing has occurred. acephysiosports.com will develop a tailored physiotherapy program soon after your operation, based on your surgery and personal goals.
Call AcePhysioSports.com now on +65 81535374 for more information or to book an appointment.
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The Benefits Post-Surgery