Correction of residual humpback deformity after arthroscopic treatment of scaphoid non-union

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess residual humpback deformity after arthroscopic treatment of scaphoid non-union. Material and methodWe reviewed the medical records of 47 patients with scaphoid non-union who underwent arthroscopic treatment between 2012 and 2018. Patients who did not receive an intraoperative bone graft were excluded (10 patients), as were those who did not achieve bone union (three patients). The radiographic assessment consisted of pre- and postoperative radiographs and CT-scans. ResultsThe radiolunate angle, scapholunate angle and Youm index were measured. At the final follow-up, the scapholunate angle was 54±8̊ (36–80̊) and the radiolunate angle was 11±7̊ (2–45̊). The scapholunate angle was significantly different between the preoperative measurement and the last follow-up; however, the radiolunate angle and Youm index did not change significantly. ConclusionOur study found that arthroscopic treatment of scaphoid non-union with a cancellous bone graft taken from the distal radius results corrects the humpback deformity. Level of evidenceIV.