Scaphoid Fractures and Nonunion

ABSTRACT

Fracture of scaphoid is relatively common, and accurate and prompt diagnosis leads to bony union with good clinical outcome. However, it can be easily missed due to vague symptomatic complaints by patients, which in turn leads to negligence of a doctor in making the diagnosis or anatomical shape of scaphoid that causes minute fracture to be ignored while viewing simple radiography. When missed, nonunion of scaphoid gradually progresses to arthritic change in the wrist. Thus when fracture of the scaphoid is suspected, further evaluation should be initiated with care, and if the diagnosis is confirmed, a proper treatment plan must be set with assessment of stability of the fracture fragment. Internal fixation is usually proposed since solid fixation of the fracture provides early return to daily activity. When nonunion of the scaphoid is present, most patients can achieve bony union with avascular bone graft and internal fixation. However, if there is sclerotic change, large bone cyst or avascular necrosis of the fracture fragment, internal fixation with bone graft that includes vascular supply should be introduced in order to achieve bony union.