Small Proximal Pole Research Articles

Proximal Hamate Reconstruction of Proximal Pole Scaphoid Nonunion: A Case Series and Analysis of Clinical Outcomes.

Small proximal pole scaphoid nonunions present a clinical challenge influenced by fragment size, vascular compromise, deforming forces exerted through the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL), and potential articular fragmentation. Osteochondral autograft options for proximal pole reconstruction include the medial femoral trochlea, costochondral rib, or proximal hamate. This study reports the clinical outcomes of patients treated with proximal hamate osteochondral autograft reconstruction. A retrospective review identified patients treated with this surgery from 2 institutions with a minimum 6-month follow-up. Clinical outcomes included the Visual Analog Dcale pain score, 12-item Short-Form survey, abbreviated Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, wrist and forearm range of motion (ROM), radiographic assessment, and complications. We reviewed and compared these outcomes with those of the current published literature. Four patients (mean age: 24 years, 75% men) with a 12.8-month average follow-up (range: 6-20 months) were included. Radiographic union was identified in all cases by 12 weeks (range, 10-12). The average wrist ROM was 67.5% flexion/extension and 100% pronation/supination compared with the contralateral side at the final follow-up. The mean QuickDASH score was 17.6 (SD, 13). No complications were identified. Proximal pole scaphoid nonunion reconstruction using autologous proximal hamate osteochondral graft demonstrated encouraging clinical and radiographic outcomes. Proximal hamate harvest involves minimal donor site morbidity without a distant operative site, uses an osteochondral graft with similar morphology to the proximal scaphoid, requires no microsurgical technique, and permits reconstruction of the SLIL using the volar capitohamate ligament.

Operative Treatment of Scaphoid Nonunion

Abstract Background: Scaphoid nonunion result in a predictable pattern of wrist arthrosis. To minimize the incidence of arthrosis, the goal of treatment should be consolidation of the fracture of the scaphoid in anatomic alignment. Aim of Study: To evaluate different means of treatment of scaphoid nonunion and evaluate its clinical results. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted at EL-Helmya Military Hospital and Kasr El-Ainy Hospital during the period from 2011 to 2016 on fifty patients diagnosed as non-united fracture scaphoid and operated upon by fixation and graft if needed, then followed-up for a period of at least 18 months. Patients were 49 male and one female with an average age of 23 years. All operative management and follow-up. Results: This study proved that operative treatment of scaphoid nonunion can be summarized as follows: Grade I,II,III according to Slade and Geissler`s classification can be treated by percutaneous or open fixation by Herbert screw even if the nonunion in prox. Pole. Grade IV/V/VI we have to open volarly for waist or dorsally for prox. Pole and fixation with bone graft from iliac crest or distal radius. Conclusion: This study proves that the goal of treatment of scaphoid nonunion should be consolidation of the fracture in anatomic alignment. scaphoidnonunions with severe collapse and humpback deformity must be approached volarly with interposition of an intercalary bone graft and internal fixation. A dorsal approach to proximal scaphoid nonunions allows immediate access for removing the necrotic bone from small proximal pole nonunions and internal fixation.

Palmar angular stable plate fixation of nonunions and comminuted fractures of the scaphoid

Stabilization of comminuted fractures and nonunions of the scaphoid with an angular stable low-profile scaphoid plate. Scaphoid nonunions with alarge palmar defect, second and third surgical procedure after previous stabilization by headless compression screw (HCS). Comminuted fractures of the scaphoid that cannot be sufficiently stabilized by screws. Radio- and midcarpal osteoarthritis, small proximal pole fragments, fragmentation of the proximal pole. The scaphoid is accessed by apalmar approach. After correcting the DISI (dorsal intercalated segment instability) deformity of the lunate and humpback deformity of the scaphoid, the reduction is secured by temporary Kirschner wires. The nonunion is debrided and the bone defect filled with cancellous bone graft. Subsequently the scaphoid plate and the angular stable screw are positioned in the order to place three screws in the proximal and distal fragment of the scaphoid. Comminuted fractures of the scaphoid are fixated by temporary Kirschner wires, then the plate is positioned in the same way as nonunions. Comminuted fractures and nonunions of the scaphoid are immobilized by abelow-elbow cast or thermoplastic splint with inclusion of the thumb for 8weeks. No heavy work, high-risk or contact sport activities for 12weeks. Plate removal is recommended after 6months or after bony healing. By stabilizing scaphoid nonunions with a plate, high union rates with good clinical outcome can be achieved if the indication is correct.

Micro Screw Fixation for Small Proximal Pole Scaphoid Fractures with Distal Radius Bone Graft.

Background Achieving adequate fixation and healing of small proximal pole acute scaphoid fractures can be surgically challenging due to both fragment size and tenuous vascularity. Purpose The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that this injury can be managed successfully with osteosynthesis using a "micro" small diameter compression screw with distal radius bone graft with leading and trailing screw threads less than 2.8 mm. Patients and Methods Patients with proximal pole scaphoid fragments comprising less than 20% of the entire scaphoid were included. Fixation was accomplished from a dorsal approach with a micro headless compression screw and distal radius bone graft. Six patients were included. Average follow-up was 44 months (range, 11-92). Results Mean proximal pole fragment size was 14% (range, 9-18%) of the entire scaphoid. The mean immobilization time was 6 weeks, time-to-union of 6 weeks, and final flexion/extension arc of 88°/87°. All patients had a successful union, and no patient had deterioration in range of motion, avascular necrosis, or fragmentation of the proximal pole. Conclusion Small diameter screws with a maximal thread diameter of ≤ 2.8 mm can be used to fix the union of proximal pole acute scaphoid fractures comprising less than 20% of the total area with good success. Level of Evidence Therapeutic case series, Level IV.

Ulnar hemimelia in deformed left forearm treated with ilizarov fixator

Pedicle bone graft as primary procedure for treatment of scaphoid nonunion. Pedicle bone graft use in delayed and nonunion of fractures and avascular necrosis scaphoid fracture. The most common indications for Pedicle bone graft have been for scaphoid nonunion, lunatomalacia (Kienbock's disease), and osteonecrosis of the scaphoid (Preiser's disease). Advantages over non vascularized bone graft have been established. Pedicle bone graft provide improved blood flow, osteocyte preservation, and accelerated healing rates. Local pedicle VBGs are the most commonly used methods. They are technically less demanding than are free VBGs and are associated with less morbidity. In managing osteonecrosis, most surgeons would agree that VBG should be reserved for scaphoid nonunion with an intact cartilaginous shell and no collapse. In treating scaphoid pathology, indications for pedicle bone graft include fractures/nonunions with proximal pole avascular necrosis and/or small proximal pole fragments.

Results of pronator quadratus pedicle bone graft as primary procedure for treatment of scaphoid nonunion

Pedicle bone graft as primary procedure for treatment of scaphoid nonunion. Pedicle bone graft use in delayed and nonunion of fractures and avascular necrosis scaphoid fracture. The most common indications for Pedicle bone graft have been for scaphoid nonunion, lunatomalacia (Kienbock's disease), and osteonecrosis of the scaphoid (Preiser's disease). Advantages over non vascularized bone graft have been established. Pedicle bone graft provide improved blood flow, osteocyte preservation, and accelerated healing rates. Local pedicle VBGs are the most commonly used methods. They are technically less demanding than are free VBGs and are associated with less morbidity. In managing osteonecrosis, most surgeons would agree that VBG should be reserved for scaphoid nonunion with an intact cartilaginous shell and no collapse. In treating scaphoid pathology, indications for pedicle bone graft include fractures/nonunions with proximal pole avascular necrosis and/or small proximal pole fragments.

Ultra Small Proximal Pole Scaphoid Nonunion Reconstruction with 1,2 Intercompartmental Supraretinacular Artery Vascularized Graft and Micro Screw Fixation: Level 4 Evidence

Ultra Small Proximal Pole Scaphoid Nonunion Reconstruction with 1,2 Intercompartmental Supraretinacular Artery Vascularized Graft and Micro Screw Fixation: Level 4 Evidence

Vascularized bone grafts and their applications in the treatment of carpal pathology.

Vascularized bone grafts (VBGs) are techniques in the management of certain types of carpal pathology. VBGs have traditionally been advocated for conditions including delayed and nonunion of fractures and avascular necrosis. The most common indications for VBG have been for scaphoid nonunion, lunatomalacia (Kienböck's disease), and osteonecrosis of the scaphoid (Preiser's disease). Advantages over NVBG have been established. VBGs provide improved blood flow, osteocyte preservation, and accelerated healing rates. Local pedicled VBGs are the most commonly used methods. They are technically less demanding than are free VBGs and are associated with less morbidity. Commonly used donor grafts arise from the dorsal vasculature of the wrist and include the 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery (1,2 ICSRA), the 2,3 ICSRA, the fourth extensor compartment artery (fourth ECA), and the fifth ECA. A 4 + 5 ECA combination graft has been described to provide a longer pedicle. In managing osteonecrosis, most surgeons would agree that VBG should be reserved for carpal bones with an intact cartilaginous shell and no collapse. In treating scaphoid pathology, indications for VBG include fractures/nonunions with proximal pole avascular necrosis and/or small proximal pole fragments.

Vascularized Bone Grafting and Herbert Screw Fixation of Scaphoid Nonunions With Avascular Proximal Poles

Nonunion of the fractured scaphoid can present a difficult surgical problem, especially in fractures near the proximal pole. The incidence of nonunion is greater in this region, in which the vascularity of the proximal fracture segment is compromised and the proximal fragment is small and resists rigid fixation. Recent development of better vascularized bone grafting techniques has provided a tool with which to address this vexing problem. Because many authors had previously shown the advantage of rigid fixation in obtaining scaphoid union, it seemed advantageous to us to combine these two methods-rigid fixation and improved vascularity. In this article, we present in detail our technique for treating patients with very small proximal pole fractures in which the proximal fragment makes up less than 20% of the scaphoid. For practical purposes, all of these fractures have a proximal fragment that is avascular. We use a vascularized bone graft as described by Zaidemberg et al. in combination with more rigid fixation of proximal pole fractures using the Herbert mini screw. Although the technique presented requires the surgeon to use precise surgical technique, early results have been encouraging, and patients with very small fracture fragments can be treated successfully.

Proximal scaphoid pseudarthrosis--reconstruction by dorsal bone screw and spongiosa transplantation

Stable fixation of small proximal pole nonunions of the scaphoid by conventional techniques of bone grafting remains difficult. Because of this, long-lasting immobilisation is necessary. Treatment by retrograde Herbert-screw fixation offers the possibility of stable osteosynthesis resulting in shorter immobilisation. Even in case of avascular proximal fragments, it allows healing of the nonunion. We report on the 29 months follow-up of 23 patients treated in this manner showing bony consolidation in 17 cases (74%). Four patients demonstrated fibrous nonunion with minor symptoms, and in two patients persistent nonunion with slight impairment was seen. Evaluation with the DASH-questionnaire revealed slight disability with an average score of ten points. The availability of the mini-Herbert-screw has improved this treatment concept.

Retrograde Herbert screw fixation for treatment of proximal pole scaphoid nonunions

Most nonunions of the carpal scaphoid bone can be treated with a high rate of success by use of conventional bone grafting techniques. However, fractures with a small proximal pole fragment may be difficult to treat by use of these techniques. Nine patients with nonunion and three patients with unstable proximal pole fractures were treated with retrograde dorsal Herbert screw fixation and adjunctive bone grafting. Follow-up averaged 25 months. Of the 12 patients, the fracture healed in 11 and one fracture remained ununited. This technique has been successful in our practice and should be considered in the treatment of small proximal pole nonunions and displaced proximal pole fractures.

Scaphoid Nonunion

Scaphoid nonunion is common, but the exact pathophysiology of this complication is unclear. Explanations include lack of treatment, poor initial treatment, delay in diagnosis, synovial fluid dynamics, precarious vascularity, fracture displacement, and carpal instability. Currently, the diagnosis is best confirmed by classic changes on plain radiographs, instability testing, arthrography, and arthroscopy in selected cases. Nine carpal bones are not benign. The natural history of scaphoid nonunion is one of progressive arthritis. Attempts at obtaining bony healing are therefore recommended. In treating established nonunions without arthritis, the Russe bone graft technique is the mainstay of treatment. A union rate of 90 per cent is to be expected. Electrical stimulation is an alternative when there is no synovial pseudarthrosis or scaphoid collapse deformity, or if a previous Russe graft has failed. If a significant humpback scaphoid or collapse deformity is present, internal fixation with the Herbert screw and scaphoid reconstruction with a bone graft are our choices. Healing rates are less than those with the Russe graft, but one may achieve improved motion of the wrist and earlier return to function. When scaphoid nonunion is accompanied by degenerative arthritis, salvage procedures are recommended. Radial styloidectomy is a simple procedure that will preserve motion and buy time. Soft tissue interposition with excision of a small proximal pole is useful, particularly if no collapse deformity is present. Silicone replacement alone has fallen into increasing disfavor because of the high incidence of subluxation and silicone synovitis. Combining silicone replacement with intercarpal fusion (the SLAC procedure) may lessen these complications. Proximal row carpectomy is another procedure that may preserve motion, though often at the expense of weakness, particularly in the younger patient requiring significant grip strength. In these cases, standard wrist fusion seems the most predictable alternative.

Un-united fracture of the scaphoid.

The anterior approach as described by Matte and Russe for treatment of ununited fractures of the scaphoid was employed in 48 patients using autologous cortical cancellous pegs and chips. Operative intervention occurred in an average period of 14 months after fracture. The average time to radiological union was 3.5 months; the average follow-up was 2 years. Union occurred in 43 patients. The anterior approach is recommended because of its simplicity. Neither avascular necrosis nor a small proximal pole fragment are contraindications to the procedure.