Chronic scaphoid nonunion treated with vascularized bone graft and external fixator

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the medium-term follow-up outcomes of treatment of chronic scaphoid nonunion with vascularized bone graft based on 1, 2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery.Methods From February, 1995 to November, 2006, 13 cases of chronic scaphoid nonunion were treated with vascularized bone graft based on 1, 2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery in our hospital. Nine cases were complicated with avascular necrosis of the proximal pole. The interval between injury and treatment averaged 22. 2 months. The nonunions were stabilized by screw or external fixator. Procedures of arthrolysis were applied and early wrist mobilization was initiated under the protection of external fixator. Radiographic finding and Mayo scoring system were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes. Results The mean time of follow-up was 82.9 months. The union time for the 13 cases averaged 11.2 weeks. At the final follow-up,there were 3 excellent, 8 good and 2 fair evaluations;the range of motion of the wrist, Mayo score, grip strength, intrascaphoid angle and scapholunate angle were significantly improved. Conclusions Chronic scaphoid nonunion can be well treated with vascularized bone graft based on 1, 2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery. A simple arthrolysis during the procedure can produce satisfactory results. External fixation plays a critical role in early mobilization and functional restoration of the wrist. Key words: Scaphoid bones; Fracture fixation, internal; External fixator; Microsurgery