• Isr Med Assoc J · Dec 2012

    Percutaneous screw fixation without bone grafting of scaphoid non-union.

    • John T Capo, Ben Shamian, and Marco Rizzo.
    • Department of Orthopedics, Division of Hand Surgery, New York University-Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY, USA. John.Capo@nyumc.org
    • Isr Med Assoc J. 2012 Dec 1;14(12):729-32.

    BackgroundDelays in diagnosis and inadequate treatment of acute scaphoid fractures can lead to non-unions, presenting surgeons with unique challenges regarding optimal management.ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of scaphoid non-unions treated with percutaneous screw fixation.MethodsThe study group comprised 12 patients with scaphoid non-unions of an average duration of 8.7 months. There were 11 males and 1 female with an average age of 24 years (range 14-47 years). All patients were initially treated with percutaneous screw fixation without bone grafting. A volar percutaneous approach was used in eight patients and a dorsal percutaneous approach in four. Wrist range of motion (ROM) and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaires were used to assess clinical outcomes. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed to assess the fracture union, carpal alignment and screw position.ResultsEleven of the 12 (92%) fractures united successfully with no additional procedures. These fractures achieved radiographic union at an average of 4 months. One patient with sickle cell anemia required revision fixation, which consisted of repeat percutaneous fixation and bone grafting. In this patient his non-union healed 3 months after the revision procedure. The average DASH score at final followup was 6 (range 0-16). Average wrist ROM was extension of 66 degrees (range 50-80) and flexion 71 degrees (range 55-90). None of the patients showed radiographic signs of osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis of the scaphoid, or hardware-related complications.ConclusionsFor scaphoid waist non-unions without collapse, percutaneous fixation without supplementary bone grafting provides satisfactory results with a high union rate, early return of function and minimal complications.

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