Nonunion scaphoid treated with vascularized pronator quadratus osteomuscular transposition flap: A review of 11 cases

Abstract

Overview: Nonunion scaphoid is a common complication of fracture scaphoid which always remains a difficult surgical problem. Most of the cases present late with persistent pain and disability, not responding to conservative treatment. Simple bone grafts are generally not enough in cases with evidence of decreased vascularity of proximal fragment, so pronator quadratus osteomuscular transposition flap to revascularize the nonunion scaphoid gained popularity. A series of 11 cases treated using vascularized osteomuscular graft. Materials and Methods: This study was done on eleven cases of nonunion scaphoid with pronator quadratus vascularized bone graft. Herbert and Alnot classification was used and postoperative evaluation done by scaphoid outcome score. Results: Postoperative scaphoid outcome score was excellent in 4 cases, good in 4 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case. One case developed scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse and wrist arthritis and revision surgery with proximal row carpectomy was done in it. The mean follow-up period was 22 months. Conclusion: Bone grafting is the mainstay treatment for non-union scaphoid. Vascularized bone grafts using pronator quadratus osteomuscular flaps have proved to be more biological and more successful treatment option.