Treatment of Acute Scaphoid Fracture by Percutaneus Acutrak Screw Insertion

Abstract

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficasy of dorsal percutaneous Acutrak screw fixation for acute stable or unstable scaphoid fractures. Materials and Methods : We assessed 7 cases of acute scaphoid fracture from January 2001 to Febrary 2002, 5 cases were of acute stable fracture (Herbert type A2) and 2 cases were of unstable minimal displaced fracture (Herbert type B2). All were treated by dorsal percutaneous Acutrak screw fixation. The postoperative management protocol involved removing the splint at postoperative 1 week, this was followed by active and strengthening exercise. Patients returned to work at a postoperative 2 weeks, and a follow-up study 7 cases from 12 to 20 months (average 15.8 months). Results : According to tenderness at the anatomical snuff box, pain during range of motion of the wrist joint and the Maudsley scale, 6 cases (Herbert type A2: 5 case, Herbert type B2: 1 case) were excellent and one case (Herbert type B2) was good. Conclusion : Dorsal percutaneous Acutrak screw fixation is useful method for acute stable or minimal displaced scaphoid waist fractures, because it reduces complications due to prolonged cast immobilization.