Risk Factors of Nonunion after Surgical Fixation of Acute Scaphoid Fractures

ABSTRACT

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.