Late consolidation of the scaphoid. Case report and literature review / Consolidación tardía del escafoides. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura

Abstract: Scaphoid fractures are a common wrist injury accounting for 2-7% of all adult fractures. Nonunion is described in 5-12% of cases leading to osteoarthritis. Several classifications have been developed focused on this pathology and its complication. We present a case of a 28 years old male patient with a scaphoid fracture and nonunion who spontaneously consolidates without treatment. We performed a literature review to recognize this pathology, its common evolution and possible treatment options.

Resumen: Las fracturas de escafoides son una lesión frecuente de la muñeca y representan de 2-7% de todas las fracturas en adultos. La no unión se describe en 5-12% de los casos y conduce a la osteoartritis. Se han desarrollado varias clasificaciones centradas en esta patología y su complicación. Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 28 años con fractura y no unión de escafoides que consolida espontáneamente sin tratamiento. Realizamos una revisión bibliográfica para reconocer esta patología, su evolución habitual y las posibles opciones de tratamiento.

Arthroscopic treatment of scaphoid fracture nonunion with bone graft and Kirschner wire combined with screw fixation / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment of scaphoid fracture nonunion with bone graft and Kirschner wire combined with screw fixation.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 14 patients with scaphoid fracture nonunion who met the selection criteria between February 2021 and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 13 males and 1 female with an average age of 32 years ranging from 17 to 54 years. The time from injury to operation ranged from 6 to 15 months, with an average of 9.6 months. According to the Slade-Geissler classification of scaphoid fracture nonunion, there were 3 cases of grade Ⅲ, 8 cases of grade Ⅳ, and 3 cases of grade Ⅴ. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 5.9±1.0, and the modified Mayo wrist score was 53.2±9.1. There were 2 cases of scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse, both of which were stage Ⅰ. All patients were treated with arthroscopic bone graft and Kirschner wire combined with screw fixation, and the fracture healing was observed by X-ray film monthly after operation, and the effectiveness was evaluated by VAS score and modified Mayo wrist score before and after operation.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up 6-14 months, with an average of 8.4 months. All fractures healed in 4-8 months, with an average of 6.3 months. The postoperative pain symptoms and wrist function of the patients significantly improved when compared with those before operation, and the VAS score at last follow-up was 2.4±1.3, and the modified Mayo wrist score was 87.1±6.7, which were significantly different from those before operation ( t=12.851, P<0.001; t=-14.410, P<0.001). According to the modified Mayo wrist evaluation, 9 cases were excellent, 3 cases were good, and 2 cases were fair.@*CONCLUSION@#Arthroscopic bone graft and Kirschner wire combined with screw fixation is an effective surgical method for the treatment of scaphoid fracture nonunion.

Tratamiento de no unión de fractura de escafoides con tornillos canulados sin cabeza e injerto autólogo esponjoso de radio distal / Treatment for non-union scaphoid fractures with headless cannulated screws and distal radius cancellous autograft

Resumen: Introducción: las fracturas de escafoides representan 50-80% de las fracturas de los huesos del carpo. De las fracturas de escafoides 10% evolucionan a no unión con tratamiento conservador y presentan cambios degenerativos en el carpo en 75-97% a cinco años y en 100% a 10 años. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la tasa y tiempo de consolidación en pacientes con diagnóstico de no unión de fractura de escafoides, sin fragmentación del polo proximal, tras tratamiento con dos tornillos canulados sin cabeza e injerto autólogo esponjoso de radio distal. Material y métodos: serie de casos de cuatro pacientes con diagnóstico de no unión de fractura de escafoides sin fragmentación del polo proximal, tratados mediante reducción abierta y fijación interna utilizando dos tornillos canulados sin cabeza y toma más aplicación de autoinjerto esponjoso de radio distal. Todos recibieron el mismo tratamiento postoperatorio y se tomó control radiográfico para evidenciar consolidación una vez que el paciente experimentó resolución clínica. Resultados: la tasa de consolidación radiográfica fue de 100% con un tiempo de consolidación promedio de 11.25 ± 3.4 semanas. No presentaron complicaciones y no fue necesaria una cirugía de revisión. Conclusión: el resultado del uso de dos tornillos canulados sin cabeza y toma más aplicación de autoinjerto óseo esponjoso de radio distal avala la técnica como una opción efectiva y segura para el tratamiento de no unión de fracturas de escafoides sin fragmentación del polo proximal.

Abstract: Introduction: scaphoid fractures comprise 50-80% of the fractures of the carpal bones. Ten percent of the scaphoid fractures evolve to non-union and show degenerative changes in the carpus in 75-97% at five years and in 100% at 10 years. The objective of this work was to evaluate the rate and time to union in patients with diagnosis of scaphoid non-union without fragmentation of the proximal pole after treatment with two cannulated headless screws and distal radius cancellous autograft. Material and methods: case series with short-term follow-up of four patients with scaphoid non-union without fragmentation of the proximal pole treated by internal fixation using two cannulated headless screws and distal radius cancellous bone autograft. All received the same postoperative treatment and radiographic control was taken as soon as the patient experienced clinical resolution. Results: the radiographic union rate was 100% with an average time to union of 11.25 ± 3.4 weeks. There were no complications and revision surgery was not necessary. Conclusion: the results of the use of two cannulated headless screws and distal radius cancellous bone autograft endorses the technique as an effective and safe option for the treatment of scaphoid non-union without fragmentation of the proximal pole.

Transfer of vascular pedicled free medial femoral condyle bone flap in treatment of scaphoid nonunion / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of the free medial femoral condylar bone flap in treatment of scaphoid nonunion.Methods:From May, 2012 to May, 2016, 15 patients, which were 10 males and 5 females and aged from 18 to 63 (mean 43.5±15.5) years, with scaphoid nonunion were treated with transfer of free medial femoral condyle bone flaps. After debridement of the fractural segment in surgery, the bone flap was transferred to scaphoid and had the bone defect filled. The artery of the bone flap was end-to-side or end-to-end anastomosed to the radial artery. The concomitant vein of the bone flap was end-to-end anastomosed to the concomitant vein of the radial artery. Thirteen patients were treated with the free osteoperiosteal medial femoral condylar graft, and 2 were treated with the free osteochondral medial femoral condylar graft. Fracture healing was evaluated based on X-ray evidence. The clinical effect was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS), strength of grip and modified Mayo wrist score. The t-test was used to compare the function between before and after surgery. Results:All patients were entered into a followed-up for an average of 32.5 (8-60) months, 11 of them took the follow-up reviews at the outpatient clinic and 4 via WeChat distanced interviews. All fractures of the 15 patients healed with an average healing time at 12.5 (10-16) weeks. The VAS score decreased from (3.5±1.5) before the surgery to (1.0±1.0) after the surgery. The strength of grip increased from (16.5±4.3) kg before the surgery to (31.5±3.5) kg at the last follow-up review. The modified Mayo wrist score increased from (46.2 ±11.4) before the surgery to (68.5 ±10.8) at the last follow-up review. The wrist function was excellent in 8 patients, good in 6 and fair in 1. There was significant difference in functional evaluation ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The transfer of free medial femoral condylar bone flap is effective in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion. This technique provides both of sufficient blood supply and a structural support for defected scaphoid bone and promotes the healing of fracture. Osteochondral flap transfer may be used as an alternative measure to prevent wrist osteoarthritis and collapse, in the case that there is an avascular necrosis of the proximal pole of the scaphoid. It has an advantage in the treatment of refractory scaphoid nonunion.

Fractura metafisaria de radio distal asociada a una fractura de escafoides, en un adolescente de 14 años / Distal radius fracture combined with scaphoid fracture, in a 14-year-old teenager / Fratura metafisária do rádio distal associada a uma fratura escafóide em adolescente de 14 anos

La asociación entre fractura de radio distal y fractura de escafoides es una asociación infrecuente, en la presentación inicial, pasa inadvertida muchas veces la fractura a nivel de escafoides. El diagnóstico precoz nos permite un correcto tratamiento evitando posibles complicaciones en la evolución. Se presenta el caso de un adolescente de 14 años con dicha asociación lesional. Se le realizó reducción cerrada y fijación percutánea con alambres de Kirschner a nivel del radio distal y se trató la fractura de escafoides, de forma ortopédica, con yeso antebraquipalmar con inclusión del primer dedo. Se obtuvo la consolidación de ambos focos con excelentes resultados clínicos.

The association between distal radius fracture and scaphoid fracture is a rare association, in many cases the scaphoid fracture can be overlooked at the initial presentation. The early diagnosis allows a correct treatment avoiding possible complications in the follow-up. The case of a 14-year-old teenager with this association is presented. Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation was performed with Kirschner Wires at distal radius fracture, the scaphoid fracture was treated orthopedically with short-arm thumb spica cast. Consolidation of both fractures was obtained with excellent clinical results.

A associação entre fratura do rádio distal e fratura do escafoide é uma associação pouco freqüente; na apresentação inicial, a fratura do escafóide geralmente passa despercebida. O diagnóstico precoce nos permite um tratamento correto, evitando possíveis complicações na evolução. É apresentado o caso de um adolescente de 14 anos com essa associação lesional. Ele foi submetido a redução fechada e fixação percutânea com fios de Kirschner no raio distal, e a fratura do escafóide foi tratada ortopedicamente com um molde de antebraço incluindo o primeiro dedo. A consolidação de ambos os focos foi obtida com excelentes resultados clínicos.

The Effect of Intra-carpal Kirschner Wire Augmentation in Screw Fixation of Scaphoid – A Retrospective Cohort Study

@#Introduction: Scaphoid fractures are most often treated with a single headless compression screw. However, intercarpal Kirschner wire (K-wire) might be added to improve stability and fracture outcomes. This study will determine if there is a difference in treatment outcome (union rate and time to union) between scaphoid fracture fixations using a single headless compression screw with and without augmentation using a intracarpal intramedullary K-wire. Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent surgery for isolated scaphoid fractures over a 15 years period from December 2000 to December 2015. Only patients who underwent open surgery with bone grafting were included. They were divided into a group treated with a single screw fixation, and another group treated with screw and K-wire fixations. Results: Forty-four (58.7%) patients had single screw fixation and 31 (41.3%) had screw augmented with K-wire fixation. The overall union rate was 88.0%, with an overall mean time to union of 5.3 months. There was no difference in union rate (p=0.84) and time to union (p=0.66) between the single screw group and combined screw and K-wire group. Univariate analysis found that older age (t=-2.11, p=0.04) had a significant effect on union rate. Regression model showed that age had a significant effect on months to union. Conclusion: In open fixation of scaphoid fractures with compression screw and bone grafting, union rate and time to union is comparable whether or not screw fixation was augmented with an intracarpal K-wire. There was no increased risk of complications associated with augmented screw. Age of patient affected time to union and union rate.

Nitinol memory alloy two foot fixator with autologous cancellous bone grafting for old scaphoid fracture and nonunion / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To summarize the effectiveness of nitinol memory alloy two foot fixator with autologous cancellous bone grafting in treating old scaphoid fracture and nonunion. Methods: Between January 2013 and January 2017, 11 patients of old scaphoid fracture and nonunion were treated with nitinol memory alloy two foot fixator and autologous cancellous bone grafting. All patients were male with an average age of 26.1 years (range, 18-42 years). The fractures were caused by sport in 3 cases, falling in 7 cases, and a crashing object in 1 case. The interval between injury and operation was 6-18 months (mean, 8.9 months). Postoperative outcome measures included operation time, fracture healing time, grip strength, range of motion (ROM) of flexion, extension, ulnar deviation, and radial deviation, Mayo score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score. Results: The operation time was 35-63 minutes (mean, 48 minutes). All incisions had primary healing with no infection and loosening or breakage of internal fixator. All patients were followed up 12-30 months (mean, 20.7 months). X-ray films showed that fracture healing was achieved in all patients with an average time of 15 weeks (range, 12-25 weeks). All internal fixators were removed after 10-12 months of operation (mean, 11.2 months). At last follow-up, the grip strength, ROMs of flexion, ulnar deviation, and radial deviation were superior to those before operation ( P<0.05), no significant difference was found in ROM of extension between pre- and post-operation ( t=0.229, P=0.824). There were significant differences in above indexes between affected and normal sides ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, the Mayo, VAS, DASH scores were also significantly superior to those before operation ( P<0.05). Conclusion: For the old scaphoid fracture and nonunion, Ni-Ti arched shape-memory alloy fixator and autologous cancellous bone grafting can obtain good effectiveness, which is an effective treatment.

Advances in diagnosis and treatment of acute scaphoid fractures / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To review the advances in diagnosis and treatment of acute scaphoid fractures. Methods: The characteristic, classification, diagnosis, and treatment of acute scaphoid fractures were reviewed and summarized. Results: As one of the common fracture in hand, scaphoid fractures are generally classified as either undisplaced and stable or displaced and unstable. CT and MRI has best diagnostic specificity and sensitivity respectively. Most undisplaced and stable fractures can be treated successfully by plaster immobilization, whereas the displaced and unstable fractures have great prognosis after open reduction and internal fixation. Conclusion: Acute scaphoid fractures should be diagnosed and treated at an early stage, and choose the appropriate treatment according to the location and stability of the fracture.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Comparing Surgical versus Conservative Treatments for Acute Undisplaced or Minimally-Displaced Scaphoid Fractures

BACKGROUND: Surgical and conservative methods have been reported by various studies for high rates of fracture union and subsequent regain of function among patients with undisplaced or minimally-displaced scaphoid fractures. Hence, this study aims to analyze the best available evidence to comprehend the relative benefits and risks of these therapeutic options. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature from different databases and search engines was performed with strict eligibility criteria to obtain the highest quality of evidence. All randomized controlled trials delineating the outcomes of surgical versus conservative treatments for acute undisplaced or minimally-displaced scaphoid fractures were included and then evaluated using scoring tools: Cochrane risk of bias tool and PEDro scale. Data were pooled using random-effects models with standard mean differences for continuous outcomes and risk ratios for dichotomous variables. RESULTS: The search yielded 339 potentially related articles, further trimmed down to eight studies based on the eligibility criteria. The meta-analysis revealed that surgical treatment resulted in significantly better functional outcomes than conservative treatment. Furthermore, surgery resulted in the prevention of delayed union of fractures and reduction of time needed to return to work. CONCLUSIONS: While four studies reported advantages of surgical treatment, evidence was insufficient to provide a definitive conclusion that surgery is a better option. Due to the significant limitations with respect to certain variables, the superiority of one method to the other could not be established.

Perilunate Injury Combined with Lunate Fracture

We present an atypical case of combined comminuted lunate fracture and the scaphoid waist fracture, chip fracture of triquetrum and pisiform. Comminuted scaphoid waist fracture was caused by forced hyperextension of the wrist, similar mechanism to stage I of progressive perilunate instability (PLI), and lunate fracture might be caused by axial compression force, does not appear on the original theory of PLI. We performed closed reduction and screw fixation for the scaphoid fracture and immobilized and mildly distracted the wrist joint with the use of a bridging external fixator to prevent further collapse of comminuted lunate by neutralizing the compression force imposed by the capitate on the lunate. We achieved excellent radiological and clinical outcomes at 29-months of follow-up. We aimed to introduce this rare injury and clinically important points in its treatment with the review of the literature.

The Role of Radiology in Diagnosis and Management of Scaphoid Fracture

Background: This study focused on introducing MRI into the diagnostic pathway for suspected scaphoid fracture management. In discussion with our musculoskeletal radiologists, we implemented new guidelines to standardize management of our patients with scaphoid fracture and now report our findings. Materials and methods: A consecutive series of 104 patients referred to the orthopedic department with clinically suspected scaphoid fracture but normal series of plain radiographs were prospectively followed up over a three-year period. We implemented the use of early MRI for these patients and determined its incidence of detected scaphoid injury in addition to other occult injuries. We then prospectively examined results of these findings on patient management. Results: 25 (24%) MRI examinations were normal with no evidence of a bony or soft-tissue injury. Soft-tissue injury was diagnosed in 45 patients (43.3%). Of those, 32 (30.8%) were triangular fibro cartilage complex (TFCC) tears and 13 (12.5%) were intercarpal ligament injuries. Bone marrow oedema with no distinct fracture was discovered in 35 (33.6%) cases. In 12 (11.5%) cases, this involved only the scaphoid. In the remainder, it also involved the other carpal bones or distal radius. Fracture(s) were diagnosed on 27 examinations (25.9%). Conclusion: MRI should be regarded as the gold standard investigation for patients in whom a scaphoid fracture is suspected clinically. It allows the diagnosis of occult bony and soft-tissue injuries that can present clinically as a scaphoid fracture; it also helps exclude patients with no fracture. We believe that there is a need to implement national guidelines for managing occult scaphoid fractures.

Comparison of Distal Radius Fractures with or without Scaphoid Fractures

PURPOSE: Distal radius fracture is one of the most common factures, but incidence of concomitant scaphoid fracture is rare. The rarity makes diagnosing the concomitant scaphoid fracture often delayed. Thus, in this study, the authors examined the frequency of concomitant scaphoid injury in distal radius fracture and the type of distal radius fracture that is more commonly associated with simultaneous scaphoid fracture. METHODS: We examined a total of 212 patients who had received treatment for the fracture in our institution. They were divided into two groups, isolated distal radius fracture group and distal radius fracture group with simultaneous scaphoid fracture, and their age, gender, body mass index and distal radius fracture type in accordance with AO classification were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Concomitant scaphoid fractures were found in 12 (5%) patients, and among them 10 cases were associated with type C distal radius fracture. Statistical comparison between the group with isolated distal radius fracture and the group with both distal radius and scaphoid fractures was made, and only comparison of distal radius fracture types showed statistical significance. CONCLUSION: It is imperative to make timely and appropriate diagnosis of accompanying scaphoid fracture, since delay in making the diagnosis usually lead to many complications. We conclude that further diagnostic imaging such as computed tomography is necessary to make the correct diagnosis of concomitant scaphoid fracture, especially in type C distal radius fractures.

Scaphoid fracture treated by percutaneous fixation with arthroscope assistance / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To investigate the preliminary clinical results of treating scaphoid fracture by percutaneous fixation with arthroscope assistance. Methods From October 2009 to May 2015, a consecutive series of 12 patients with scaphoid fracture were treated by percutaneous fixation with arthroscope assistance. Meanwhile TFCC was man-aged if necessary. As followed, X-ray was adopted for assessment bone healing at 6-month postoperation, 12-month postoperation. Postoperative evaluations included clinical measurement (grip strength and motion range), radiograph-ic, and functional (modified Mayo wrist score) parameters, Herbert and Fisher scaphoid fracture parameters. Healthy wrist as control group. Results All the scaphoid fracture were healed with an average healing time of 24 weeks. All 12 cases were followed for an average of 18.5 months. The function was rated excellent in 7 cases, good in 5 cases according to the modified Mayo wrist score. There was no difference between the injuried wrist and control group. Conclusion For scaphoid fracture, percutaneous fixation with arthroscope assistance is a reliable and minimally in-vasive method to treat scaphoid fracture.

Headless Autocompression Screw Fixation of Scaphoid Fractures Using Open Dorsal Approach

PURPOSE: We present the clinical and radiological results of open reduction and internal fixation for scaphoid fracture with retrograde headless screw fixation via dorsal approach. METHODS: This study carried out a survey targeting 15 patients who have a retrograde headless screw fixation on nonunion of scaphoid fracture without previous operation, 2 patients who have a retrograde headless screw fixation on nonunion of scaphoid fracture with previous operation and 8 patients who have a trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation. We figured out a mechanism of injury, and clinical symptom, radiologic findings. The surgery was done with open dorsal approach which is retrograde headless screw fixation internally, with or without bone graft. We analyzed the result by Maudsley method, in terms of bone union, duration for union, radiologic finding, clinical outcomes. RESULTS: After surgery, 22 of 25 patients had union result on fracture and other 3 patients had nonunion result. It took 12 weeks to achieve bone union on average. Based on radiograhs, we had one case of partial avascular necrosis of proximal fragment without clinical symptoms. We had one case of each scaphoid nonunion without previous operation, with operation and trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation had arthritic change and non-symptomatic nonunion result. In terms of clinical outcome, 22 patients showed satisfactory results and 3 patients had slight limitation of range of motion. CONCLUSION: Retrograde headless screw fixation with or without bone graft for the treatment of scaphoid fracture is recommendable.

Ipsilateral Distal Radius and Scaphoid Fractures Associated with Posteromedial Dislocation of the Elbow Joint: A Case Report

Arm injuries occurring from high energy injuries such as falls or traffic accidents can be accompanied by wrist and elbow injuries. Monteggia fracture, Galeazzi fracture, and Essex-Lopresti fracture-dislocation are known some examples of such injuries. However, there are no reports on the dislocation of the elbow occurring from a distal radius fracture accompanied by scaphoid fracture, and there is nothing published about its prognosis. The authors report on the treatment and outcomes of a case of a 42-year-old male who had a distal radius and scaphoid fracture associated with posteromedial dislocation of the elbow on the same side of his arm along with a literature review.

Traumatic mechanisms and therapeutic results of the perilunate injuries / Mecanismos traumáticos y resultados terapéuticos en lesiones perisemilunares

OBJECTIVES: In this study, eighteen patients who have had perilunate injury with dislocation or fracture, were evaluated and the patho-mechanics and surgical treatment were studied. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: According to the Green and O 'Brien's classification, type 1 injury occurred in one patient, type 2 in nine, type 4A in five, type 4C in one and type 4D in one. The other one case could not be classified using the Green and O 'Brien's criteria. RESULTS: According to the Evans scoring system, good results were achieved in thirteen patients, fair results, in four, poor results in one and very poor results in none. When the patho-mechanics was esti mated based on the Mayfield's criteria, seventeen patients were classified as stage 3. However, only one case was extremely unusual and should be classified as a subtype of stage 2. CONCLUSION: The results were good in the majority ofpatients who had repair ofperilunate injury.

OBJETIVO: En este estudio, se evaluaron dieciocho pacientes que tuvieron lesión perisemilunar con dislocación o fractura, y se estudiaron la patomecánica y el tratamiento quirúrgico. SUJETOS Y MÉTODO: Sobre la base de la clasificación de Green y O'Brien, se concluye que ocurrieron las siguientes lesiones: lesión de tipo 1 en un paciente, de tipo 2 en nueve, tipo 4A en cinco, tipo 4C en uno y tipo 4D en uno. El otro caso no se pudo clasificar usando criterios de Green y O'Brien. RESULTADOS: El sistema de puntuación de Evans, indica que se lograron buenos resultados en trece pacientes; resultados satisfactorios en cuatro; resultados pobres en uno; resultados muy pobres en ninguno. Cuando se estimó la patomecánica sobre la base de los criterios Mayfield, diecisiete pacientes fueron clasificados como fase 3. Sin embargo, sólo un caso fue sumamente raro y debe ser clasificado como subtipo de fase 2. CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados fueron buenos en la mayoría de los pacientes que tuvieron reparación de lesión perisemilunar.

Risk Factors of Nonunion after Surgical Fixation of Acute Scaphoid Fractures

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors of nonunion after surgical treatment of acute scaphoid fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Predictable risk factors were investigated retrospectively in 70 patients with an acute scaphoid fracture. The risk factors involved sex, age, profession, smoking, fracture location, fracture gap distance, type of lunate, ulnar variance, fixation method, and surgical approach. At twelve months after surgery, analysis was conducted to identify the factors for prognosis toward bone healing or failure. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients (91%) demonstrated radiological union after a mean time of 2.8 months. The average scapholunate angle was 52degrees at the final follow up. Professional heavy work, smoking, fracture of proximal pole were associated with a significantly decreased likelihood of healing. CONCLUSION: The patients who have the risk factors of nonunion such as heave work, smoking and fracture of proximal pole should be treated carefully.

Scaphoid Fractures and Nonunions: Recent Trends of Treatment

Scaphoid fracture is a common carpal bone fracture. Through the accurate diagnosis and proper treatment, the union can be easily achieved without significant complication. Although the non-operative treatment is successful to get union in the limited cases of undisplaced or occult fracture, the percutaneous screw fixation is better treatment option for the young and active patient. Rigid percutaneous screw fixation heals the fracture faster and the patient can return to their usual life earlier. In the nonunion cases of scaphoid fracture, open reduction and internal fixation and conventional bone graft generally heals the nonunion. In the case of failed bone graft or avascular necrosis of the proximal fragment, a pedicled vascularized bone graft is a good strategy for the union. If severe humpback deformity or shortening is combined with the avascular necrosis of proximal fragment, a free vascularized medial femoral condyle bone graft is indicated as a last treatment option for successful union.

Trans-scaphoid Perilunate Fracture Dislocations: Screw Fixation of the Scaphoid and Lunotriquetral Ligament Repair Using a Dorsal Approach

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical and radiological results after screw fixation of the scaphoid and lunotriquetral ligament repair using a dorsal approach in the treatement of trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture dislocations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2003 to August 2007, 11 patients who underwent operative management of a trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture dislocation were included in this study. Average follow up period was 58 months. In all patients, screw fixation of the scaphoid and lunotriquetral ligament repair with a suture anchor after open reduction was performed. Clinical evaluation was done by measuring range of motion and grip power and disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score evaluation for functional recovery at the last follow up. Union of scaphoid, change in lunotriquetral distance, and development of any instability and arthritis of wrist joint were radiographically assessed. RESULTS: In clinical outcomes, 89.3% recovery of grip power and 87.5% recovery of range of motion compared to healthy side were observed at the last follow-up. Average range of motions of extension, flexion, ulnar deviation, radial deviation, supination and pronation were 51.8degrees, 58.4degrees, 21.2degrees, 16.2degrees, 74.3degrees, 75.1degrees respectively. Average DASH score was 13.2. Bony union of scaphoid was achieved in all cases at the average of postoperative 19.3 weeks. Lunotriquetral distance after the operation and at the last follow up were 1.9 mm and 2.0 mm, respectively. There were no radiographic evidence of instability or arthritis. CONCLUSION: Dorsal approach allows reduction of carpal bone, scaphoid fixation and lunotriquetral ligament repair in the treatment of trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture dislocations, providing satisfactory clinical and radiological results.

Modified Volar Percutaneous Screw Fixation for the Scaphoid Fractures: Trans-trapezial Approach

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of modified volar percutaneous fixation, in which a screw is introduced through the trapezium (trans-trapezial approach) for the treatment of undisplaced scaphoid fractures and nonunions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed modified volar percutaneous screw fixation in 15 patients between December 2008 and October 2009. There were ten men and five women. The mean age was 45 years (range, 20-59 years). Seven patients had a isolated scaphoid fracture, four had a concomitant distal radius fracture, two had multiple fractures besides scaphoid fracture, one had a trans-scaphoid perilunar fracture-dislocation and one had a cystic nonunion of the scaphoid. The mean follow-up time was 13 months. A standard Acutrak headless screw (Acumed(R)) was used in all cases. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, the average arc of wrist motion was 60degrees of flexion and 65degrees of extension. The average grip power of the affected hand reached 90% compared with the unaffected side. The clinical results assessed by the modified Mayo wrist score showed twelve excellent and three good results. Plain radiographs showed accurate central placement of the screw without degenerative change in the scaphotrapezial joint in all patients. The mean time to union was 7.8 weeks. CONCLUSION: We believe that the modified volar percutaneous screw fixation is reliable method. However, long term follow-up is required to determine whether this approach would increase the risk of scaphotrapezial joint osteoarthritis.