Fixation Of Acute Scaphoid Fractures Research Articles

Surgical management of slightly or non-displaced corporal scaphoid fractures by retrograde percutaneous screw fixation through the anterior trapezium horn: A single-center retrospective French study of 33 patients between January 2015 and January 2019

Percutaneous screw fixation has recently gained popularity as an alternative to conservative treatment to avoid prolonged immobilization. The placement of a screw in the central axis of the scaphoid has been shown to be biomechanically superior to its eccentricity. Still, it poses difficulties in performing percutaneous screw fixation via both palmar and dorsal approaches. We describe a palmar percutaneous screwing of corporal fractures of the scaphoid by a simple palmar transtrapezial approach allowing an optimal centering of the screw. We selected patients operated on by the same surgeon using the palmar transtrapezial approach between January 2015 and January 2019 based on the coding used for these fractures and the operative reports. In addition, pre- and postoperative data were collected from the patient's computer and paper records and by telephone contact with the patients. Thirty-three patients were included. Percutaneous screw fixation of the scaphoid was performed under locoregional anesthesia in the operating room with one arm in the supine position on the arm table. No hyper-extension of the wrist was performed. The Kirchner guidewire passed through the anterior horn of the trapezium and then into the trapezium-scaphoid joint. A screw replaced it after satisfactory centering in the axis of the scaphoid. Management took place on average within 12 days after the trauma. 75.8% were A2 fractures, according to Herbert's classification. The average operating time was 16.63minutes, and in 91% of the cases, the patient was hospitalized for one day. The variation of the scapholunate angle on the preoperative profile radiographs with the angle defined by the axis of the scaphoid screw and the lunate postoperatively was on average 2.94°. One patient presented nonunion, and four showed an undersized screw with a screw overhang requiring revision surgery. The transtrapezial approach to fixation of acute scaphoid fractures facilitates precise percutaneous screw placement in the central axis of the scaphoid. A study of long-term complications, including the degenerative impact on the scaphotrapezial joint, is needed to assess the safety of passage through the anterior horn of the trapezium.

Results of Percutaneous Fixation of Acute Scaphoid Fractures by Herbert Screw

Background: The Scaphoid bone is the tmost commonly fractured carpal bone. Proper clinical examination and radiological imaging is essential for early diagnosis and management. The management of scaphoid fractures varies from cast immobilization to open reduction and internal fixation. This paper explores the outcome of using headless cannulated screws in minimally displaced scaphoid fractures. Objective: Aim of this study is to assess the functional and clinical outcome of using cannulated headless screws in management of acute scaphoid fractures. Methods: A prospective study held between February 2019 and January 2020, where eighteen patients included with acute scaphoid fractures of Herbert B1, B2 and B3 classification. Fixation was done using both volar and dorsal percutaneous technique. Patients were evaluated postoperatively clinically using modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS). Results: Of mean age 34.5±8.37 years, the majority were with excellent final outcome (83.3%), good (5.6%), fair one case (5.6%) and only one poor (5.6%) and mean time of union was 9.66±1.9 months. Conclusion: All active young individuals with acute non-displaced or minimally displaced scaphoid fractures should be offered percutaneous internal fixation, for the sake of earlier gain of motion of the wrist, earlier time to union, quicker return to activity of daily living, and a lower complication rate.

Results of Percutaneous Fixation of Acute Scaphoid Fractures by Herbert Screw

Background: The Scaphoid bone is the tmost commonly fractured carpal bone. Proper clinical examination and radiological imaging is essential for early diagnosis and management. The management of scaphoid fractures varies from cast immobilization to open reduction and internal fixation. This paper explores the outcome of using headless cannulated screws in minimally displaced scaphoid fractures. Objective: Aim of this study is to assess the functional and clinical outcome of using cannulated headless screws in management of acute scaphoid fractures. Methods: A prospective study held between February 2019 and January 2020, where eighteen patients included with acute scaphoid fractures of Herbert B1, B2 and B3 classification. Fixation was done using both volar and dorsal percutaneous technique. Patients were evaluated postoperatively clinically using modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS). Results: Of mean age 34.5±8.37 years, the majority were with excellent final outcome (83.3%), good (5.6%), fair one case (5.6%) and only one poor (5.6%) and mean time of union was 9.66±1.9 months. Conclusion: All active young individuals with acute non-displaced or minimally displaced scaphoid fractures should be offered percutaneous internal fixation, for the sake of earlier gain of motion of the wrist, earlier time to union, quicker return to activity of daily living, and a lower complication rate.

COMPARISON OF OPERATIVE FIXATION OF ACUTE SCAPHOID FRACTURES WITH THE NON-OPERATIVE TREATMENT: A PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL STUDY.

Aim: to compare the results of operative fixation of acute scaphoid fractures with those of non-operative treatment.
 Materials & Method: This clinical study was carried out among 26 patients with an acute nondisplaced or minimally displaced scaphoid fracture reported to the OPD of Orthopedics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India. Patients were non-randomly allocated to group A (non-operative treatment with a cast) and group B (internal fixation with a Herbert screw).
 Results: mean age of the study population was 41.23 years. Majority of them were male 21 (80.7%) and rest 5 (19.3%) were female. Out of total 26 scaphoid fracture cases 16 (61.5%) were of right hand and rest 10 (38.5%) found on the left hand. Most common location of fracture was waist fracture (B2) 10 cases. 100% union was observed in group B.
 Conclusions: study proves that Cast treatment has the disadvantages of longer immobilisation time, joint stiffness, reduced grip strength, and longer time to return to work whereas the operative fixation of acute scaphoid fractures results in predictable satisfactory union rate and good functional outcome.
 Keywords: cast treatment, scaphoid fracture

Percutaneous fixation of acute scaphoid fractures

Objective The aim of this study were to determine whether the functional outcome of the evaluation of the effectiveness of percutaneous retrograde (volar) approach of insertion of cannulated Herbert's screw to stabilize acute scaphoid fractures and to evaluate the functional outcome after this minimally invasive operative management of this problematic fracture. Background Scaphoid fracture is the most common carpal fracture. It accounts for ∼60–90% of carpal and 11% of hand fractures. Scaphoid fracture is a common fracture affecting mainly young active people during their work or while participating in sports activities. Patients and methods This is a retrospective observational study of patients undergoing surgery for percutaneous fixation of acute scaphoid fracture. In our study, 12 patients with less than 14-day-old fractures were fixed percutaneously by Herbert's screw and reviewed for a minimum of 12 months (average of 24 months). The functional outcome of this method was assessed. Results Fracture union was achieved in 11 (91.6%) cases at a mean of 8.29 weeks (6–12 weeks), whereas one case was ununited. Conclusion This study proves that fixation of acute scaphoid fractures results in predictable satisfactory union rate and functional outcome. Moreover, it proves that percutaneous Herbert's screw insertion carries no risk of damage to soft tissues or vascular supply.

Transtrapezial Approach for Fixation of Acute Scaphoid Fractures.

The transtrapezial approach for fixation of acute scaphoid fractures facilitates precise percutaneous placement of a screw along the central axis of the scaphoid, which has been shown to be biomechanically superior. Correctly position the patient, surgeon, and fluoroscopy equipment before starting the procedure. Mark the central axis of the scaphoid on the skin along the anteroposterior and lateral (optional) planes as the markings allow visual control for insertion of the guidewire. Make a volar stab incision over the distal half of the trapezium. Insert the guidewire through the trapezium along the central axis of the scaphoid, which is the critical step of the procedure. Drill the trapezium and the distal cortex of the scaphoid to allow easy insertion of the screw. Precisely measure the scaphoid length to determine the appropriate screw length. Insert the selected screw over the guidewire. In our report on the first results of this technique in forty-one patients with an acute nondisplaced scaphoid waist fracture, all fractures united within ten weeks (mean, 6.4 weeks) and the modified Mayo wrist score was good (four patients) or excellent (thirty-seven patients) at a mean follow-up of thirty-six months (range, fourteen to sixty-eight months).IndicationsContraindicationsPitfalls & Challenges.

Optimal Fixation of Acute Scaphoid Fractures: Finite Element Analysis

The hypothesis of this study was that more stable fixation of acute scaphoid fractures may be achieved by a screw placed perpendicular to the fracture plane than along the long axis of the scaphoid, as previously suggested. We examined this assumption on different fracture patterns using a finite element analysis model. A computed tomography scan of an intact scaphoid of a young man provided the data set for all fracture models. We used semiautomatic segmentation to create 3-dimensional computer models of the 3 simple fracture configurations: oblique, transverse waist, and proximal fractures, according to the Herbert classification. Each fracture type was analyzed, using finite elements, for its biomechanical response to 2 types of virtual fixation: a screw placed either perpendicular to the fracture plane or centrally along the long axis of the scaphoid. We measured motion at the fracture plane (in millimeters) and strain in the screw threads (in millipascals). Considerably less motion was measured at the fracture plane with the perpendicular screw compared with the long axis screw, especially in the oblique-type fractures: (1) Herbert-type B1 oblique fracture mean motion of 0.05 mm (+/-0.03) for the perpendicular screw versus 0.28 mm (+/-0.05) for the long axis screw; (2) B2 transverse waist fracture mean motion of 0.06 mm (+/-0.03) for the perpendicular screw versus 0.18 mm (+/-0.06) for the long axis screw; and (3) B3 proximal fracture mean motion of 0.07 mm (+/-0.01) for the perpendicular screw versus 0.28 mm (+/-0.011) for the long axis screw. Higher strains were measured on the screw placed perpendicular to the fracture. According to this model, higher fixation stability is achieved when the scaphoid is fixated perpendicular to the fracture. In transverse waist fractures, a centrally placed screw will also be perpendicular to the fracture, which explains the results of previous models.

A Computational Approach to the “Optimal” Screw Axis Location and Orientation in the Scaphoid Bone

The development of small cannulated screws permitted minimally invasive percutaneous fixation of acute scaphoid fractures. There are known mechanical advantages to increased screw length and central screw placement, as well as documented deleterious effects of screw malposition, including articular protrusion, proximal pole fracture, and nonunion. The purpose of this study was to compare 2 methods of calculating a screw axis accessible via a volar surgical approach. To prevent screw protrusion through the surface of the scaphoid, we required the central screw axis to be contained completely within a "safe zone," defined as a 3-dimensional region located a fixed distance from the inner cortical surface. Safe zones were calculated based on computed tomography-generated models of the right scaphoid from 10 healthy subjects. Two methods for screw axis calculation were compared: (1) maximum screw length (MSL) within the safe zone and (2) a cylinder best-fit (CYL) to the safe zone. The volar approach was defined as percutaneous screw placement through the scaphoid tubercle without violation of the trapezium. Resultant screw axes were compared between the 2 methods for volar accessibility, screw length, and location of the screw axis. The MSL axes were completely accessible without violating the trapezium in all but 2 subjects. The average MSL axes were 11% longer than the CYL axes and passed significantly closer to the scaphoid tubercle than did the CYL axes (1.8 mm vs 6.4 mm). The MSL axes passed significantly farther (1.6 mm) from the bone centroid than did the CYL axes (0.4 mm). All 10 MSL axes were located in the central one-third of the proximal pole. Without violation of the trapezium, MSL axis can be attained via the volar percutaneous approach to the scaphoid. Using this approach, the ideal starting point for maximal screw length was located 1.7 mm dorsal and 0.2 mm radial to the apex of the scaphoid tubercle.

Nonoperative Compared with Operative Treatment of Acute Scaphoid Fractures

Traditionally, acute nondisplaced scaphoid fractures have been treated nonoperatively in a cast, and the expected union rate approaches 90%. Internal fixation of nondisplaced scaphoid fractures has increased in popularity, and a union rate of 100% has been reported. The growing trend is to recommend internal fixation for the majority of acute scaphoid fractures. The true long-term benefits of this more complicated treatment modality have not yet been determined in randomized controlled trials. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term results of operative fixation of acute scaphoid fractures with those of nonoperative treatment. During the period between 1992 and 1997, eighty-three patients with an acute nondisplaced or minimally displaced scaphoid fracture were randomly allocated to, and received, either nonoperative treatment with a cast or internal fixation with a Herbert screw. At a median of ten years after the injury, seventy-five (93%) of the eighty-one patients who were still alive were assessed clinically and radiographically. All fractures united. A significant increase in the prevalence of osteoarthritis in the scaphotrapezial joint was found in the operatively treated group. No differences in subjective symptoms, as measured with limb-specific outcome scores, were found between the two groups. The range of motion and grip strength were greater, but not significantly greater, in the nonoperatively treated group. This study did not demonstrate a true long-term benefit of internal fixation, compared with nonoperative treatment, for acute nondisplaced or minimally displaced scaphoid fractures. The long-term risks of surgery should be considered when recommending operative treatment.

Percutaneous Fixation of Scaphoid Fractures

Recent advances in techniques and implants have led to renewed interest in percutaneous screw fixation of acute scaphoid fractures. The closed (cast) treatment of acute scaphoid fractures generally has good outcome, with bony union resulting; however, closed treatment can result in delayed union, nonunion, malunion, cast- induced joint stiffness, and lost time from employment and avocations. Acute percutaneous fixation of scaphoid fracture has been proposed as a means to minimize some of the complications of closed (cast) treatment. Percutaneous treatment of both nondisplaced and displaced scaphoid fractures reportedly can achieve a nearly 100% union rate with minimal complications. Fixation of scaphoid fractures with headless compression screws can be done using both volar and dorsal approaches. The fracture reduction and alignment are assessed by fluoroscopy and arthroscopy. Appropriately performed acute percutaneous internal fixation is now a standard treatment option for a selected group of patients with acute scaphoid fracture.

Should Acute Scaphoid Fractures Be Fixed?<sbt aid="959864">A Randomized Controlled Trial</sbt>

With the proliferation of different fixation screws, there is an increasing trend to recommend early internal fixation of the broken scaphoid even if the fracture is not displaced. The benefits and risks of early fixation of scaphoid fractures have not been established. These were investigated in eighty-eight patients who were of working age with clearly defined minimally displaced or undisplaced bicortical fractures of the waist of the scaphoid.Patients who provided informed consent were randomized to treatment with early internal fixation with use of a Herbert screw without a cast (forty-four patients) or to nonoperative treatment for eight weeks with immobilization in a below-the-elbow plaster cast with the thumb left free (forty-four patients). The patients were evaluated at two, eight, twelve, twenty-six, and fifty-two weeks with respect to the severity of pain; tenderness; swelling; wrist movement; grip strength; and symptoms and disability, which were assessed with the Patient Evaluation Measure. In addition, radiographs were made and assessed at each visit.No difference was detected between the groups with respect to age, sex, hand dominance, side of injury, mechanism of injury, or the occupation of the patients. The range of motion, score on the Patient Evaluation Measure, and grip strength were significantly better in the group managed operatively than in the group managed nonoperatively at the eight-week follow-up evaluation, which corresponded with the visit when the cast was removed in that group. Patients returned to work at five to six weeks after the injury in both groups. At twelve weeks, grip strength was better in patients who had had surgery. No significant difference was detected between the two groups with respect to any other outcome measure at any other time. Ten of the forty-four fractures treated nonoperatively had not healed radiographically at twelve weeks, and, as a consequence, the treatment was altered. Complications occurred in thirteen patients who had been managed operatively. All complications were minor, and ten were related to the scar.This study did not demonstrate a clear overall benefit of early fixation of acute scaphoid fractures beyond the decrease in the rate of a change in treatment because of a delayed union at twelve weeks. Early internal fixation of minimally displaced or nondisplaced fractures of the scaphoid waist, which would heal in a cast, could lead to overtreatment of a large proportion of such fractures, exposing such patients to avoidable surgical risk. Thus, we have adopted a program of so-called aggressive conservative treatment, whereby we carefully assess fracture-healing with plain radiographs, and computed tomography scans if necessary, after six to eight weeks of cast immobilization and recommend surgical fixation with or without bone-grafting at that time if a gap is identified at the fracture site. Such an approach should result in fracture union in over 95% of such patients.Therapeutic Level I.

SHOULD ACUTE SCAPHOID FRACTURES BE FIXED?

Background: With the proliferation of different fixation screws, there is an increasing trend to recommend early internal fixation of the broken scaphoid even if the fracture is not displaced. The benefits and risks of early fixation of scaphoid fractures have not been established. These were investigated in eighty-eight patients who were of working age with clearly defined minimally displaced or undisplaced bicortical fractures of the waist of the scaphoid. Methods: Patients who provided informed consent were randomized to treatment with early internal fixation with use of a Herbert screw without a cast (forty-four patients) or to nonoperative treatment for eight weeks with immobilization in a below-the-elbow plaster cast with the thumb left free (forty-four patients). The patients were evaluated at two, eight, twelve, twenty-six, and fifty-two weeks with respect to the severity of pain; tenderness; swelling; wrist movement; grip strength; and symptoms and disability, which were assessed with the Patient Evaluation Measure. In addition, radiographs were made and assessed at each visit. Results: No difference was detected between the groups with respect to age, sex, hand dominance, side of injury, mechanism of injury, or the occupation of the patients. The range of motion, score on the Patient Evaluation Measure, and grip strength were significantly better in the group managed operatively than in the group managed nonoperatively at the eight-week follow-up evaluation, which corresponded with the visit when the cast was removed in that group. Patients returned to work at five to six weeks after the injury in both groups. At twelve weeks, grip strength was better in patients who had had surgery. No significant difference was detected between the two groups with respect to any other outcome measure at any other time. Ten of the forty-four fractures treated nonoperatively had not healed radiographically at twelve weeks, and, as a consequence, the treatment was altered. Complications occurred in thirteen patients who had been managed operatively. All complications were minor, and ten were related to the scar. Conclusions: This study did not demonstrate a clear overall benefit of early fixation of acute scaphoid fractures beyond the decrease in the rate of a change in treatment because of a delayed union at twelve weeks. Early internal fixation of minimally displaced or nondisplaced fractures of the scaphoid waist, which would heal in a cast, could lead to overtreatment of a large proportion of such fractures, exposing such patients to avoidable surgical risk. Thus, we have adopted a program of so-called aggressive conservative treatment, whereby we carefully assess fracture-healing with plain radiographs, and computed tomography scans if necessary, after six to eight weeks of cast immobilization and recommend surgical fixation with or without bone-grafting at that time if a gap is identified at the fracture site. Such an approach should result in fracture union in over 95% of such patients. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

OPEN VOLAR REPAIR OF ACUTE SCAPHOID FRACTURES

Internal fixation of acute scaphoid fractures has significant advantages over conservative treatment, using cast immobilization. Healing rates are improved, functional recovery is accelerated, and morbidity is reduced. Percutaneous fixation has become the treatment of choice for the majority of acute fractures, since it is an out-patient procedure, which produces virtually no scarring and enables an extremely-rapid recovery; however, in those cases where a stable and anatomical reduction cannot be achieved by closed means, open volar repair remains the best method of treatment. With careful attention to technique, and the avoidance of postoperative immobilization, excellent results can be achieved, even in the case of transscaphoid fracture-dislocation of the carpus.

Percutaneous Cannulated Screw Fixation of Acute Scaphoid Fractures

Percutaneous Cannulated Screw Fixation of Acute Scaphoid Fractures

Arthroscopically assisted internal fixation of acute scaphoid fractures

Arthroscopically assisted internal fixation of acute scaphoid fractures