The Journal of hand surgery, European volume
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J Hand Surg Eur Vol · Jun 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialAcutrak screw fixation versus cast immobilisation for undisplaced scaphoid waist fractures.
Fifty-three patients with less than 14 day-old, undisplaced fractures of the waist of the scaphoid were randomized to two groups. Twenty-eight patients were treated by immobilisation in a below elbow plaster cast for 10 weeks while 25 were treated by percutaneous insertion of an Acutrak standard screw. ⋯ Patients who underwent surgery had a significantly better range of motion at 16 weeks but there were no significant differences for grip strength. Acute percutaneous internal fixation of undisplaced scaphoid waist fractures using the Acutrak screw allows early mobilisation without adverse effects on fracture healing.