Scaphoid Proximal Pole Nonunions Research Articles

Lateral Femoral Trochlea Osteochondral Flap Reconstruction of Proximal Pole Scaphoid Nonunions

The medial femoral trochlea flap has been described as a method of scaphoid proximal pole nonunion reconstruction when the proximal pole is deemed nonsalvageable. The lateral femoral trochlea (LFT) is an alternative donor site providing a comparable vascularized convex osteochondral flap. We describe the technique and outcomes of our first 17 cases of LFT flap reconstruction of the proximal scaphoid pole with a minimum follow-up of 14 months. Seventeen of the first 24 patients who underwent LFT scaphoid reconstruction at 3 institutions were able to be contacted for clinical follow-up and chart reviews. We recorded patient ageand sex, duration of nonunion, number of previous surgical procedures, details of surgical technique, achievement of osseous union, complications, additional postoperative procedures, preoperative and postoperative pain, and range of motion. Preoperative and postoperative scapholunate and radiolunate angles were analyzed on x-rays and achievement of osseous union on computerized tomography scans. The average age of patients included was 35 years (range, 16-55 years). Follow-up data were recorded at an average of 33 months (range, 14-62 months). Ten patients had previous procedures (average, 1; range, 0-2). Median duration from trauma to LFT was 3.4 years (range, 8 months-12 years) among patients who had a recognized date of injury. Osseous healing was achieved in 16 of 17 patients and confirmed by computerized tomograpy scan. Twelve patients reported complete pain relief, while 5 reported partial pain relief. Final postoperative range of motion was 59°extension (range, 30°-85°) and 50° flexion (range, 10°-80°), which was comparable to preoperative values. Preoperative (59°) and postoperative (55°) scapholunate angles were similar to normal wrists. Vascularized LFT flaps provide an alternative donor site for vascularized osteochondral reconstruction of proximal pole scaphoid nonunion. Rate of union, range of motion, and pain relief are similar to reported results with medial femoral trochlea flap reconstruction. Therapeutic IV.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Investigate the Clinical Applicability of the Medial Femoral Trochlea Osteochondral Flap Within the Wrist.

The medial femoral trochlea (MFT) osteochondral flap is employed for reconstruction of unsalvageable scaphoid proximal pole nonunions. The convex surface of the cartilage-bearing proximal trochlea is used to replace the similarly contoured proximal scaphoid and articulate with the concave scaphoid fossa of the radius. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) comparison of the shape of the MFT as it relates to the native proximal scaphoid has not been previously performed. Our study aimed to quantifiably compare the shape of the MFT, proximal scaphoid, and scaphoid fossa. Using imaging processing software, we measured radius of curvature of the articular segments in MRI scans of 10 healthy subjects' wrists and knees. Compared with the scaphoid fossa, average ratio of the radius of circumference of the proximal scaphoid was 0.79 and 0.78 in the coronal and sagittal planes, respectively. Compared with the scaphoid fossa, average ratio of the radius of circumference of the MFT was 0.98 and 1.31 in the coronal and sagittal planes, respectively. The radius of curvature of the MFT was larger than the proximal scaphoid, in the coronal and sagittal planes. In the coronal plane, the MFT radius of curvature is nearly identical to the scaphoid fossa, a closer match than the scaphoid itself. In the sagittal plane, the radius of curvature of the MFT was larger than the radius of curvature of the scaphoid fossa. Our data suggest that the radius of curvature, in the sagittal and coronal planes, of the MFT and proximal scaphoid is disparate.

Medial femoral trochlea flap reconstruction: Clinical outcomes and perspectives

We report our experience with use of the medial femoral trochlea (MFT) osteochondral flap for carpal applications. Outcomes of all patients treated with MFT flaps were reviewed. Healing, range of motion, grip strength, carpal alignment, pain, and complication data were collected. MFT flaps were performed on seven patients with a mean age of 26.1 (range, 17-42) years. Indications included scaphoid proximal pole nonunion (n = 3), Kienböck's disease (n = 3), and Preiser's disease (n = 1). The mean follow-up was 32.3 (range, 5-70) months. Union was achieved in five patients at a mean of 12 (range 6-22) weeks. All five patients had increased grip strength and absence of pain at follow-up. There were two failures due to graft resorption. The MFT osteochondral flap is a technically challenging yet powerful tool to replace the loss of both carpal articular cartilage and adjacent bone.

Metaphyseal Core Decompression and Anterograde Fixation for Scaphoid Proximal Pole Fracture Nonunion without Avascular Necrosis.

Objective To report the consolidation rate and the results of a series of 22 patients with metaphyseal core decompression of the distal radius and an antegrade compression screw. Methods We present a prospective series of patients with scaphoid proximal pole nonunion in whom the presence of intraoperative bleeding was confirmed in both fragments. Patients with displacement, degenerative changes, fragmentation of the proximal pole, cavitation of the focus, loss of height, and necrosis, as well as those with carpal instability, were excluded. The patients were evaluated with X-rays and computed tomography to evaluate their consolidation; their mobility and fist strength were recorded and an analog visual scale (VAS) of pain at rest, pain in activity, subjective functional status, and DASH questionnaire were completed. Results Of the 23 patients, 21 accomplished union. The average follow-up was 19 months and the average final range of motion was flexion 86%, extension 85%, radial deviation 79%, ulnar deviation 84%, and grip strength 84%. The average VAS for pain at rest was 1 point, the average VAS for activity pain was 2 points, the average VAS for function was 9 points, and the average DASH score was 8. Conclusions Using this simple and reliable technique, we obtained 91% union and very good functional results. Metaphyseal core decompression of the distal radius associated with an antegrade scaphoid screw is a reasonable and effective option for the treatment of proximal pole scaphoid nonunions without avascular necrosis in carefully selected patients. Level of Evidence This is Level IV study.

Treatment of Scaphoid Proximal Pole Nonunions: Dorsal Capsular Vascularized Grafting with Temporary Scaphocapitate Fixation

Treatment of Scaphoid Proximal Pole Nonunions: Dorsal Capsular Vascularized Grafting with Temporary Scaphocapitate Fixation

Suture Anchor Fixation for Scaphoid Nonunions With Small Proximal Fragments: Report of 11 Cases

To describe the use of 2 suture anchors as the fixation devices in the management of 11 patients with scaphoid proximal pole nonunions with small proximal fragments. In a prospective study, 11 patients with proximal pole scaphoid nonunions (10 with small proximal fragments and 1 with an oblique nonunion line) were evaluated before surgery by standard wrist x-rays and functional wrist scores including a visual analog scale (VAS), Mayo wrist score, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH). The nonunion site was fixed with 2 suture anchors supplemented with autologous cancellous bone graft. Postoperative evaluations consisting of functional wrist scores and evaluation of radiological union were performed 9 months after surgery. At the end of the study, we observed union in 10 of the 11 patients. The QuickDASH and VAS scores showed significant improvement, and 10 patients had satisfactory Mayo scores. We propose the technique of suture anchor fixation for cases of proximal scaphoid nonunion in which secure internal fixation with common techniques is challenging because of the small size of the proximal fragment and the obliquity of the nonunion site. Therapeutic IV.

Vascularized Medial Femoral Trochlea Osteocartilaginous Flap Reconstruction of Proximal Pole Scaphoid Nonunions

The descending geniculate artery's branching pattern includes periosteal vessels supplying the cartilage-bearing trochlea of the medial patellofemoral joint. Previous cadaveric studies described anatomic similarities between the greater curvature of the proximal scaphoid and the convex surface of the medial femoral trochlea (MFT). We describe the technique and report our first 16 consecutive cases of vascularized osteocartilaginous arthroplasty for chronic scaphoid proximal pole nonunions using the MFT, with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up. Chart reviews of 16 consecutive cases of osteocartilaginous MFT flap transfers for scaphoid reconstruction were performed at 2 institutions. Follow-up data were recorded at a minimum of 6 months, with an average of 14 months (range, 6-72 mo). Patient age and sex, duration of nonunion, number of previous surgical procedures, surgical technique, achievement of osseous union, preoperative and postoperative scapholunate angles, preoperative and postoperative range of motion, and pain relief were recorded. Computed tomography imaging confirmed healing in 15 of 16 reconstructed scaphoids. Mean patient age was 30 years (range, 18-47 y). The average number of previous surgical procedures was 1 (range, 0-3). All patients experienced some wrist pain improvement (12/16 complete relief, 4/16 incomplete relief). Wrist range of motion at follow-up averaged 46° extension (range, 28° to 80°) and 44° flexion (range, 10° to 80°), which was similar to preoperative measurements (average 46° extension and 43° flexion). Scapholunate relationship remained unchanged with average scapholunate angles of 52° before surgery and 49° after surgery. Osteochondral vascularized MFT flaps provide a reliable means of achieving resolution of difficult proximal pole scaphoid nonunions. These flaps allow resection of the proximal portion of the unhealed scaphoid and reconstruction with an anatomically analogous convex segment of cartilage-bearing bone. This technique provides the advantages of vascularized bone and ease of fixation. Early follow-up demonstrates a high rate of union with acceptable motion and pain relief. Early follow-up suggests that the vascularized MFT osteocartilaginous flap is a valuable tool for treating challenging proximal pole scaphoid nonunions.

Non-vascularized bone graft with Herbert-type screw fixation for proximal pole scaphoid nonunion

BackgroundSince proximal pole fractures of the scaphoid are frequently overlooked, the poor vascularity in the proximal pole fragment often leads to nonunion. Vascularized bone grafts have been recently tested in cases with scaphoid proximal pole nonunion, but the indication for this treatment has not been well established. Alternatively, we have been treating such patients with a non-vascularized iliac bone graft and Herbert-type screw fixation with considerable success. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate these cases retrospectively and clarify the surgical efficacy of our procedure. MethodsBetween 1996 and 2009, 11 consecutive patients with proximal pole scaphoid nonunion were treated with a non-vascularized corticocancellous iliac bone graft and Herbert-type screw fixation. They were all male aged from 12 to 26 years. In two patients, avascular changes were recognized in the proximal pole in preoperative radiographs or MRI. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 76 months. ResultsBone union was radiographically confirmed in all patients, who returned to their former activities without any complications. The period from operation to union ranged from 12 to 24 weeks. The mean Mayo modified wrist score was 76.4 points preoperatively and 91.4 points postoperatively, and was improved in all cases. ConclusionsA non-vascularized iliac bone graft with Herbert-type screw fixation obtained satisfactory clinical and radiographic results in cases with scaphoid proximal pole nonunion, regardless of the vascularity in the proximal fragment.