Percutaneous screw fixation of scaphoid fractures aided by computerized imaging processing: preliminary report

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the preliminary clinical outcome of the screw fixation of minimally displaced scaphoid fracture assisted by computerized imaging reconstruction and preoperative planning system.Methods From March 2013 to Feburary 2014,Five screws on five patients were treated.We calculated and designed the position of scaphoid screw guide wire and ensured the guide wire centrally placed in the scaphoid by using the computerized imaging reconstruction and preoperative planning system software.The appropriate length of the screw was measured too in the software.We also identified the entry and exit points of the guide wire on the custom orthoses splinting the wrist joint.Five patients with scaphoid fractures were treated with percutaneous screw fixation under the guidance of a C-arm fluoroscopy and a guide wire were inserted based on the entry and exit points calculated preoperatively.All of the scaphoid fracture was nondisplaced or less than 1 mm.The modified MAYO wrist scoring system was used to evaluate the pain,function and range of motion for the wrist joint during follow up.Results Total surgical time was 28.8 min (25-39 min)and Fluoroscopy time was 18.4 s (11-23 s).The fracture healing was observed at routine 8 weeks follow up.No complication such as infection or fixation failure was reported.Modified MAYO wrist score was 83.8 (81-88)at average followup at 15 months (6-12 months).Conclusion Computer assisted percutaneous screw fixation is an effective method for the treatment of nondisplaced scaphoid fractures.It leads to significantly reduced guidewire placement time and radiological exposure time while provides accurate placement of the screw. Key words: Scaphoid ; Fracture fixation; Microsurgical operation Computer-asisted