use of volar bone grafting for non-united carpal scaphoid fractures

ABSTRACT

To report the results of volar bone grafting for nonunited carpal scaphoid fractures. Twenty male patients with symptomatic non-union of the carpal scaphoid, 16 right and 4 left were studied, after a follow up period of 8-12 months, mean 10 months. All cases were symptomatic, mainly with pain interfering with wrist ativities. Volar bone grafting was done using the Matti-Russe technique. The results were assessed clinically and radiologically. The overall final reslts were satisfactory in 18 patients [90%]. In these the fracture was united and there was a significant pain relief, increase in the range of movement and in the strength of the hand grip. The fracture did not unite in 2 cases. This study proves that this method of surgical intervention is stilt valid and yields a reproducible outcome in symptomatic non-unions