Scaphoid Pseudarthrosis Research Articles

Collapsed scaphoid non-union with dorsal intercalated segment instability and avascular necrosis treated by vascularised wedge-shaped bone graft and fixation

Patients with the specific problem of a collapsed Nakamura volar type, scaphoid synovial pseudarthrosis with avascular necrosis on both magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative inspection were studied to determine the ability of a trapezoidal wedge-shaped structural bone graft vascularised by the 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery to simultaneously achieve correction of the scaphoid dimension and a high union rate. Fifteen patients with this specific problem were followed for a mean of 32.1 months and achieved union in all cases at a mean of 11.5 weeks. Improvements were seen postoperatively in wrist flexion and extension, grip strength, degree of dorsal intercalated segment instability and degree of scaphoid collapse. Two complications relating to the fixation technique occurred. Although technically difficult, it is possible to achieve a high rate of union for scaphoid pseudarthrosis while correcting substantial collapse deformity by the use of a structural, wedge-shaped, vascularised bone graft.

Most scaphoid non-unions heal with bone chip grafting and Kirschner-wire fixation: Thirty-nine patients reviewed 10 years after operation

Many recommend to operate scaphoid pseudarthroses with wedge grafts and screw fixation. These are difficult operations. We have employed a simpler procedure and wished to review our results with regard to healing and long-term clinical results. We reviewed 39 unselected scaphoid pseudarthroses which had been operated with Kirschner-wire fixation and bone chip transplantation 10 (3.5-12) years previously. Postoperative cast treatment was 15 (11-30) weeks. Four pseudarthroses failed to unite, one of which was after a trans-scaphoid perilunar dislocation. In another the pins were dislocated by an injury while the arm was in plaster. There were no other complications. All 14 proximal pseudarthroses united. There was no loss of grip strength but some loss of key-pinch strength and wrist mobility. Most patients reported no or little pain and none used analgesics because of wrist pain. The disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score was 2 (0-33). Very few cases of mild arthrosis had arisen after operation. Three patients would not have consented to operation if they had known the outcome in advance. Kirschner-wire fixation and bone chip grafting of scaphoid pseudarthroses is an undemanding operation with few complications that produces good long-term results. Results are excellent also for proximal pole pseudarthroses.

A Capsular-Based Vascularized Distal Radius Graft for Proximal Pole Scaphoid Pseudarthrosis

To evaluate the clinical results of the application of a capsular-based dorsal distal radius vascularized bone graft in scaphoid proximal pole nonunions. Thirteen patients with symptomatic nonunion at the proximal pole of the scaphoid (10 with avascular necrosis) were treated and reviewed retrospectively. The vascularized bone graft was harvested from the distal aspect of the dorsal radius and was attached to a wide distally based strip of the dorsal wrist capsule. It was inserted press-fit into a dorsal trough across the nonunion site after scaphoid fixation with a Herbert screw. After a mean follow-up period of 19 months 10 of the 13 nonunions (8 of the 10 with avascular necrosis) achieved solid bone union. No complications other than the 3 persistent nonunions occurred. Results of the use of a capsular-based vascularized bone graft from the distal radius for proximal pole scaphoid nonunions compare favorably with the results of pedicled or free vascularized grafts. It is a simple technique that eliminates the need for dissection of small-caliber pedicle or microsurgical anastomoses. No donor site morbidity was observed. Therapeutic, Level IV.

A Capsular-Based Vascularized Distal Radius Graft for Proximal Pole Scaphoid Pseudarthrosis

A Capsular-Based Vascularized Distal Radius Graft for Proximal Pole Scaphoid Pseudarthrosis

Arthrose radioscaphoïdienne traitée par autogreffe ostéocartilagineuse après résection proximale du scaphoïde: Technique et résultats d’une série préliminaire de 10 cas

Purpose of the study Radioscaphoid osteoarthritis is usually a complication of scaphoid pseudarthrosis or chronic scapholunate disjunction. As an alternative to the classical surgical techniques used for this lesion, we propose a novel reconstruction method consisting In partial proximal resection of the scaphoid associated with interposition of a biological spacer composed of a osteocartilaginous rib graft. The purpose of this study was to present the technical aspects of this procedure and to report preliminary results in ten patients with radioscapular osteoarthritis treated between 1994 and 2001. Material and methods We performed a retrospective analysis of the ten patients who underwent surgery from 1994 to 2001 for early-stage radioscaphoid osteoarthritis associated with scaphoid osteoarthritis in eight and chronic scapholunate disjunction in two. The procedure consisted in partial resection of the proximal portion of the scaphoid and insertion of an osteocartilaginous autograft harvested from a rib. Outcome was based on the clinical results (pain, motion, grip force, activity) and patient satisfaction. Bone healing was measured with plain x-rays and vitality of the osteocartilaginous graft with MRI. Results Mean follow-up was 4.6 years. Clinical outcome was considered excellent or good in eight patients, fair in one and poor in one (graft dislocation). All patients were satisfied or very satisfied except one (one failure). Radiological healing was achieved at three months in nine patients. Four patients underwent an MRI examination at thirteen months which demonstrated, in all patients: no sign of necrosis, healing of the graft-scaphoid interface, and no bony metaplasia in the cartilage. Discussion Compared with partial carpal arthrodesis and resection of the first row of the carpus, this palliative technique can be used to reconstruct the proximal portion of the carpal scaphoid in young patients with early-stage radioscaphoid osteoarthritis. As for arthroplasty or scaphoid implants, our goal was to achieve a satisfactory scaphoid height using a biological spacer after resection of the proximal 3/ 4; of the bone. The results of this technique are encouraging but must be examined with precaution due to the small number of patients and the short follow-up to date.

Vascularized bone transfers in the wrist and hand

More and more vascularised bone transfer (VBT) sites, free or pedicled, in the wrist and hand have been described since the 1980s. In the distal forearm, two main VBT: the fibula and the iliac crest, are used for large bone loss (> 6 cm) or for radio-carpal reconstruction. We report our experience of radio-carpal reconstruction using the distal-radio-ulnar joint transfer. At the carpal level, VBT are essentially used for "difficult" scaphoid pseudarthrosis: osteonecrosis, sclerotic bone or failures of conventional grafts and for lunate necrosis. Two pedicled VBT are frequently used for the scaphoid, a graft harvested from the antero-medial part of the distal radius (Kuhlmann) or a graft harvested from the postero-lateral part of the distal radius (Zaidemberg). For the trapezo-metacarpal joint, two new articular pedicle transfers can be used in some cases of trapezo-metacarpal arthritis. At the hand level, VBT are used for distal bone loss, "en bout de chaîne". Bone vascularisation is indispensable to preserve sub-chondral bone and avoid articular destruction. In children VBT are necessary to preserve the growth cartilage.

Die Zylinderfrästechnik (Surgical Diamond Initiative - SDI) für Therapie der Kahnbeinpseudarthrose

The treatment of the scaphoid pseudarthrosis is up to now a special challenge. The operative treatment has to beware the integrity of the scaphoid bone and its ligamentous structures. Gold standard is the debridement of the pseudarthrosis and then implantation of a autograft from the iliac crest and compression screw. The operation is however very sophisticated, invasive and with high risk. The technique described here includes dowelling of the pseudarthrosis, implantation of a cylindric autograft without screw stabilisation. Preliminary results in 7 patients demonstrate a minimal-invasive technique with less risk and satisfying results up to now. Subsequent investigations with more patients are planned for the future.

Use of a cannulated 3.0 mm AO screw with an intraosseous support washer in osteosynthesis of the scaphoid: results and analysis of problems in 28 cases

The cannulated 3.0 mm AO/ASIF screw with threaded washer is a new implant for scaphoid osteosynthesis. After insertion into the distal scaphoid pole, the washer serves as an intraosseous support for the head of the cannulated lag screw. From June 1997 to March 1998 the new implant was used in 28 male patients between 14 and 50 years of age. In fourteen patients, acute scaphoid fractures were operated on, including five transscaphoid perilunate fracture dislocations (Herbert type B2 and B4, respectively). Fourteen patients had scaphoid pseudarthroses, among those two re-pseudarthroses after prior surgery elsewhere. Using a palmar approach, the scaphoid was reduced. In pseudarthroses an iliac cortico-cancellous bone block was inserted, and the implants were inserted in a distal-to-proximal manner. In the fourteen acute fractures, follow-up assessment at a mean of 11 months revealed one pseudarthrosis (7%) and four screw removals (29%) for screw back-out after bony consolidation. In the fourteen pseudarthroses, follow-up assessment at a mean of ten months revealed one re-pseudarthrosis (7%) after a technical fault. It was treated by re-operation using the same implant, and healing was now uneventful. One screw removal became necessary after bony consolidation in another patient (7%). In conclusion, our preliminary results suggest that the new implant is suitable for stabilization of scaphoid pseudarthroses after insertion of an iliac crest bone graft. The complication rate in the treatment of acute fractures was inacceptably high.

Intercarpal and radiocarpal resection arthroplasty and arthrodesis

Indications for intercarpal and radiocarpal resectionarthroplasty and fusions are osteoarthritis, KIEHNBÖCK'S disease, rheumatoid arthritis and several posttraumatic disorders of the wrist joint. The resection of carpal bones leads to severe instability patterns of the wrist. In conclusion we recommend resection-arthroplasty just for treatment of the thumb carpo-metacarpal osteoarthritis. Implant resection arthroplasty of the lunate and scaphoid or total wrist implants are still causing multiple problems regarding heavy load. Therefore this implants should be confined to rheumatoid patients. Of the limited carpal arthrodeses the scaphotrapezium-trapezoid arthrodeses is the most frequent performed procedure. It can be indicated for STT-osteoarthritis, KIEHNBÖCK's disease, scapho-lunate instability and scaphoid pseudarthrosis if other surgical procedures had failed presuming there are no signs of arthrosis in the radiocarpal joint. Persisting pain especially in heavy work is quite frequent after limited arthrodesis but can be greatly releaved by simultaneous wrist denervation. In advanced cases of osteoarthritis total wrist arthrodesis is still the best choice for the patient.

Scaphoid fracture and scaphoid pseudarthrosis

Careful diagnostic and early therapy are especially important in cases of scaphoid fractures. This is due to the patients being mostly young and the high number of non-unions of these carpal bones. Conservative and various operative treatments are therapeutical options. Out of the patients who underwent surgery from January 1993 to February 1999 42 patients with a scaphoid fracture and 88 patients with a scaphoid non-union were, in addition to standard X-ray examination, examined clinically and by MRI pre- and post-operatively. Fractures of the scaphoid were treated by Herbert screw fixation. The operative treatment of non-unions of the scaphoid included the transplantation of an iliac crest graft and Herbert screw fixation. Post-operatively a cast-immobilisation was done. Subjective statements of the patients and clinical results were assessed. The classification of Herbert and Fisher (1984)/Filan and Herbert (1996) for X-rays was used. The signal intensities of the MRI in the fragments of the scaphoid were determined qualitatively and quantitatively by computer calculation, comparing the pre- and post-operative results with one another. Post-operative results of the scaphoid fractures were in most cases good and excellent. 67 patients with a scaphoid non-union and 11 with a scaphoid fracture showed a pre-operative diminishing of the signal in the proximal fragment. For these patients, the fusion rate was lower than in patients without pre-operative signal reduction. The examination shows that in most cases bony fusions with good clinical results could be achieved by Herbert screw fixation. The MRI seems to be able to complete the radiological classification of the fractures regarding a prognosis.

Proximal scaphoid pseudarthrosis with avascular pol fragment: long-term outcome after reconstruction with microvascular pedicled iliac crest bone graft

56 patients suffering from scaphoid nonunion with avascular necrosis of the proximal pole were treated by a free vascularized iliac bone graft. Follow-up examination of 27 patients at 8.8 years included evaluation of scaphoid nonunion, progression of arthrosis and clinical parameters. Union was achieved in 85% of the patients (Group A). Arthrosis remained unchanged in 75%. No carpal collapse occurred. 81% of the patients were painfree. Grip strength was 95% and range of motion 75% compared to the noninvolved wrist. Nonunion persisted in 15% (Group B). In all these patients carpal collapse had established. 66% of the patients showed mild pain. Grip strength was 71% and range of motion 65% of normal. Transplantation of a free vascularized iliac bone graft resulted in union of a scaphoid pseudarthrosis with avascular proximal pole in 85%. When union occurred, progression of degenerative arthrosis could be arrested and good clinical late results could be achieved.

Relation of necrosis to outcome and site of fracture in scaphoid pseudarthrosis

Usually, untreated scaphoid fractures lead to non-union and partial or complete avascular necrosis. The purpose of our study was to examine the influence of location and fracture line on the pattern of necrosis. Therefore, 85 patients with scaphoid non-union were examined by enhanced highfield MRI. Fractures were classified by location and fracture line. A staging system based on signal intensity in T1-weighted spin-echo sequences in enhanced MRI was used to evaluate extent and location of avascular necrosis, which was found in 81% of our patients. In our patients, viability of the scaphoid was independent of the fracture line without dominance of vertical oblique fractures (2%). Based on our staging system, signal intensity as a sign of fragment viability was reduced in the proximal fragment in 46 patients, whereas in eight patients the distal fragment showed reduced viability. In 26 patients, no difference was found between proximal and distal fragments. Fractures proximal to the transition of middle to distal third showed less viability of the proximal fragment, not dependent of how proximal the fracture was seen. In triple fractures (6%) signal intensity of scaphoid bone was more reduced in enhanced MRI.

Persistent scaphoid pseudarthrosis after surgical treatment: results of repeated bone transplantation

From 1984 to 1993, 30 patients with persistent scaphoid non-union despite bone grafting procedures underwent additional reconstructive surgery. Twenty-five patients were followed-up between one and eleven years after revision with a mean follow-up time of 4.8 years. Fifteen patients had bone graft procedures alone, ten patients had additional internal fixation with the Herbert screw or Ender plate. At follow-up, scaphoid union was achieved in 16 patients (64%), 19 patients had arthritic changes of the radiocarpal joint. Only patients with scaphoid union showed satisfactory functional results. Five patients with failed revision surgery needed further operations for chronic wrist pain, including three wrist arthrodeses.

L'IRM dans le contrôle des pseudarthroses du scaphoïde carpien traitées par greffe cortico-spongieuse: A propos de 31 cas étudiés

Thirty one scaphoid pseudarthroses treated by corticocancellous bone graft between November 1985 and December 1988 were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 33.9 months. Clinical examination assessed pain, wrist mobility, and strength of grip. Radiological assessment evaluated consolidation of the corticocancellous graft, the presence or absence of graft resorption and the possible presence of radiocarpal osteoarthritis. A discordance between clinical and radiographic results was observed. Six patients had an excellent or good clinical result, but a poor radiological result and one patient with a poor clinical result presented an excellent radiological result. We therefore decided to use MRI to more clearly define the cause of this discordance and to verify the viability of the graft.

Vascularised bone graft applications in upper extremity problems.

Between 1990 and 1996, 16 cases of bone defects were treated by vascularised bone grafting by the authors. Free vascularised fibula was used in 10 cases and one free iliac crest graft was used for upper extremity bone defects. Four vascular pedicled first metacarpal bone and one radial styloid bone were used for scaphoid nonunion. Average follow-up was 26 months (6-78 months) and success rate was 94%. We recommend vascularised bone grafts in the upper extremity when there is risk of infection; the defect is greater than five centimeters when the forearm rotation is unlimited. The avascularity of the scaphoid pseudarthrosis must be verified radiologically or through magnetic resonance imaging. This technique should only be used when other reconstructive techniques are unlikely to succeed.

Vascularised bone graft applications in upper extremity problems

Between 1990 and 1996, 16 cases of bone defects were treated by vascularised bone grafting by the authors. Free vascularised fibula was used in 10 cases and one free iliac crest graft was used for upper extremity bone defects. Four vascular pedicled first metacarpal bone and one radial styloid bone were used for scaphoid nonunion. Average follow-up was 26 months (6–78 months) and success rate was 94%. We recommend vascularised bone grafts in the upper extremity when there is risk of infection; the defect is greater than five centimeters when the forearm rotation is unlimited. The avascularity of the scaphoid pseudarthrosis must be verified radiologically or through magnetic resonance imaging. This technique should only be used when other reconstructive techniques are unlikely to succeed. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 18:160–162 1998

Die Herbert-Schraube zur Behandlung von Pseudarthrosen des mittleren Kahnbeindrittels

Absolute: Symptomatic pseudarthrosis of the middle third with a viable proximal fragment. Delayed union of scaphoid fractures. Relative: Scaphoid pseudarthroses of the middle third with increased sclerosis of the proximal fragment or presence of radiocarpal arthritis. Asymptomatic unstable scaphoid pseudarthroses in adolescents. Necrosis of the proximal fragment of the scaphoid. Generalized severe radiocarpal arthritis. Small proximal fragment. Supine, arm board, general anaesthesia. Resection of pseudarthrosis through a palmar approach. Fitting of a corticocancellous autogenous bone graft harvested from the iliac crest between the fragments after correction of the position of the distal fragment. Internal fixation under compression with the Herbert screw using a calibrated guide (see Figures). Long arm plaster cast, thumb included, for 6 weeks, followed by exercises. If at that time bony consolidation is not certain, a forearm cast including the thumb is applied. Injury to nerves and vessels (radialis artery, median nerve). Malpositioning of screw, loosening of screw. Persistence of pseudarthrosis. Wound infection. Out of 90 patients 77 were followed up after an average of 4 years, 7 months. About a third of the patients presented with sclerosis of the distal fragment had or previous surgery; both conditions which influenced the outcome unfavourably. Average duration of surgery: 133 minutes. Postoperative immobilization: 58 days. 67 out of 77 healed primarily (87%), 4 other patients required removal of screws and further surgical treatment (matti-Russe) before consolidation. In 16 patients screw was poorly placed. No or very little restriction of movements in 52 patients. Flexion/extension of the wrist of 108.6o (preoperatively 103.3o), opposite side: 134.4o. Strength 91.5% compared to unaffected side. These values were established according to the score of Meine and Buck-Gramcko.

The scaphoid pseudarthrosis: screw fixation with electric stimulation against the Matti Russe bone graft technique. A prospective study of a series of 120 cases

The scaphoid pseudarthrosis: screw fixation with electric stimulation against the Matti Russe bone graft technique. A prospective study of a series of 120 cases

Treatment of Scaphoid Pseudarthroses with a Vascularized Bone Graft

Treatment of Scaphoid Pseudarthroses with a Vascularized Bone Graft

La résection de la première rangée des os du carpe dans les séquelles des fractures du scaphoïde

Proximal row carpectomy has precise indications in cases of severe sequelae of scaphoid fractures. This procedure may be indicated either as first-line treatment in a case of advanced pseudarthrosis with osteoarthritis, particularly radio-scaphoid, or secondarily after scaphoid pseudarthrosis has been unsuccessfully treated by other methods. It is essential to make sure that the head of the capitatum and the radial surface of the lunate bone have a satisfactory appearance on plain X-rays, MRI and occasionally arthroscopy. The overall results of this operation which retains wrist movements and which also preserves a good grip strength are very encouraging, as demonstrated by the series of 48 cases of sequelae of scAphoid fractures treated by this technique.