The Role of Carpal Instability in Scaphoid Nonunion: Casual or Causal?

1986 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-206
Author(s):  
J. J. MONSIVAIS ◽  
P. A. NITZ ◽  
T. J. SCULLY
Keyword(s):  
Scaphoid Fracture ◽  
Surgical Care ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Carpal Instability ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Fracture Displacement ◽  
Scaphoid Fractures ◽  
Satisfactory Outcome ◽  
Stabilization Procedure ◽  
Ligamentous Reconstruction

We studied twenty consecutive scaphoid nonunions in twenty patients between the ages of eighteen and thirty-eight years. There were nineteen males and one female. The mean age was 25.2 years. Factors evaluated were fracture displacement, delay in treatment, and carpal instability. Fracture displacement and carpal instability were documented in patients by abnormal x-rays showing fragment displacement, abnormal scapholunate and radiolunate angles, etc., or by fluoroscopically controlled arthrography. We concluded that intercarpal ligamentous instability is consistently present and, therefore, the critical factor in wrists with ununited scaphoid fractures. Thirteen patients have been treated surgically; ligamentous disruption was confirmed at surgical exploration. In twelve patients, treatment of the nonunion included intercarpal ligamentous reconstruction. A satisfactory outcome was achieved in all twelve of these patients. One patient’s treatment did not include ligament reconstruction. Although the scaphoid fracture united after a Russe bone graft, he remains symptomatic with persistent intercarpal instability. The remaining seven patients are being evaluated or awaiting surgery. Since ligamentous injury is so common in nonunion, we believe it is causal and that surgical care of nonunion involves ligamentous repair or other stabilization procedure. Prevention of nonunion involves early attention to the therapy of carpal instability when associated with scaphoid fracture.

1301 Early MRI in the Diagnosis of Suspected Scaphoid Fractures – An Audit of a Redesigned Diagnostic Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Cullen ◽  
R Donovan ◽  
K Vipulendran ◽  
E Lostis ◽  
N Blewitt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scaphoid Fracture ◽  
Degenerative Change ◽  
Clinic Visit ◽  
Bone Bruise ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Scaphoid Fractures ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Audit Reports ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Limited Sequence

Abstract Introduction MRI is the gold standard for investigation of suspected scaphoid fractures, which can be missed on initial x-rays. This full cycle audit reports the impact of our new patient pathway, which changes repeat x-rays at 2 weeks to urgent limited sequence scaphoid MRI for those with normal initial x-rays, but clinical suspicion of fracture at initial clinic visit. Method A second cycle audited MRI requests for suspected scaphoid fractures at Southmead hospital following implementation of the new pathway in October 2020. We collected wait times from request to scan, and radiologist reports. Results were compared to our first cycle, 6-month time period. Results he results for 24 limited sequence MRIs via our new pathway were compared to 134 full wrist MRIs of the first cycle. Two scans (9.1%) were positive for scaphoid fracture versus 12% in the first cycle. 19 scans (86%) identified alternate pathology including sprain (6), bone bruise (5), non-scaphoid fractures (4) and degenerative change (3). 1 scan (4.5%) was reported as normal. 73% of MRIs were performed within 14 days, compared to 63% in previous cohort. Conclusions Our new pathway using limited sequence MRI identified similar rates of scaphoid fractures. Reduced time to MRI was observed compared to the previous cohort due to shorter scan durations and resulted in earlier diagnosis and fewer outpatient follow-up appointments. Our new pathway has benefits to patient experience and also reduces footfall in hospital, during a time of global Covid-19 pandemic, with no increase in costs.

scholarly journals Pediatric Scaphoid Nonunions: A Case Series, Review of the Literature, and Evidence-Based Guidelines

2019 ◽  
Vol 09 (01) ◽  
pp. 002-012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerstin Oestreich ◽  
Tatiana Umata Yoko Jacomel ◽  
Sami Hassan ◽  
Maxim David Horwitz ◽  
Tommy Roger Lindau
Keyword(s):  
Nonoperative Management ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Scaphoid Fracture ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Fracture Site ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Scaphoid Fractures ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Abstract Background Scaphoid fractures represent less than 3% of hand and wrist fractures in the pediatric population. Nonunions are very rare. We present a case series (n = 18) of nonunions in skeletally immature children and adolescents. We further present a review of the literature on pediatric scaphoid nonunions. Materials and Methods We reviewed the literature by searching the main databases on pediatric scaphoid nonunions, but to identify factors that lead to nonunion, we also searched for databases on scaphoid fractures. Seventy articles were found for the period between 1961 and 2019, all with level 4/5 evidence. Results The nonunion rate of pediatric scaphoid fractures in the literature is on average 1.5%, occurring mostly as a result of missed or underdiagnosed injuries, similar to our presented case series. Half (n = 9) of the injuries in our case series were missed initial injuries, leading to scaphoid nonunions and half developed nonunions after initial treatment. We found excellent outcomes and with surgical and nonoperative management, with few complications. Not surprisingly, the duration of immobilization is longer with nonoperative management. Conclusions Based on the literature, we recommend a period of nonoperative management before surgery in undisplaced nonunions. In displaced nonunions, open reduction and internal fixation ± bone grafting is necessary. In pediatric scaphoid fractures, similar to adult cases, we identified that suspicious scaphoid fractures should be considered for initial immobilization, and repeat X-rays and early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans should be considered at follow-up. Immobilization time and type of plaster should be appropriate in relation to the fracture site, similar to the adult scaphoid fracture. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV study.

Diagnostic Strategy for Suspected Scaphoid Fractures in the Presence of Other Fractures in the Carpal Region

2006 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 416-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. J. P. BEERES ◽  
M. HOGERVORST ◽  
P. DEN HOLLANDER ◽  
S. J. RHEMREV
Keyword(s):  
Bone Scintigraphy ◽  
Bone Fractures ◽  
Scaphoid Fracture ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Scaphoid Bone ◽  
Diagnostic Strategy ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Scaphoid Fractures ◽  
Bone Injury ◽  
Suspected Scaphoid Fracture

Bone scintigraphy will identify up to 25% of occult scaphoid bone fractures after negative scaphoid X-rays. Consequently, it deserves a place in the diagnostic process of suspected scaphoid fractures. However, the role of bone scintigraphy is less clear if scaphoid X-rays show other fractures in the carpal region. We analysed 111 consecutive patients with a suspected scaphoid fracture on physical examination. Scaphoid X-rays revealed 61 fractures. Fifty-five patients had scaphoid fractures only and six patients had other fractures in the carpal region but no scaphoid fracture. In 50 cases, no bone injury was seen on these X-rays. In three out of the six patients with other fractures in the carpal region, bone scintigraphy revealed four occult concomitant fractures: one scaphoid, one scaphoid and trapezial and one capitate fracture. In conclusion, bone scintigraphy is required when scaphoid X-rays do not confirm a suspected scaphoid fracture, even in the presence of other fractures in the carpal region.

scholarly journals The Clinical Scaphoid Fracture: Early Computed Tomography as a Practical Approach

2008 ◽  
Vol 90 (6) ◽  
pp. 488-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Q Nguyen ◽  
S Chaudhry ◽  
R Sloan ◽  
I Bhoora ◽  
C Willard
Keyword(s):  
Ct Scan ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Scaphoid Fracture ◽  
False Negative ◽  
False Negative Rate ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Fracture Clinic ◽  
Non Union ◽  
Scaphoid Fractures

INTRODUCTION Up to 40% of scaphoid fractures are missed at initial presentation as clinical examination and plain radiographs are poor at identifying scaphoid fractures immediately after the injury. Avoiding a delay in diagnosis is essential to prevent the risk of non-union and early wrist arthritis. We demonstrate the use of CT scanning for the early confirmation of a scaphoid fracture. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective, chronological review of patients who attended an upper limb fracture clinic from January 2001 to October 2003 in a small district general hospital. We performed a CT scan on all ‘clinical scaphoid’ patients who had negative plain X-ray films. RESULTS Overall, 70% of patients had a CT scan within 1 week of injury and not from date of accident and emergency attendance; 83% of patients had a CT scan within 2 weeks of injury. Of 118 patients identified, 32% had positive findings and 22% of ‘clinical scaphoid’ patients had scaphoid fractures. The proportion of positive findings for an acute scaphoid fracture was 68%. Additional pathologies identified on CT were capitate, triquetral and radial fractures. CONCLUSIONS Our audit shows that it is practical to perform CT on suspicious scaphoid fractures in a small district general hospital. We identified an extremely high false-negative rate for plain X-rays and demonstrate that the appropriate use of CT at initial fracture clinic attendance with ‘clinical scaphoid’ leads to an earlier diagnosis and reduces the need for prolonged immobilisation and repeated clinical review.

scholarly journals Systematic Review of Diagnosis of Clinically Suspected Scaphoid Fractures

2019 ◽  
Vol 09 (01) ◽  
pp. 081-089
Author(s):  
Henrik Constantin Bäcker ◽  
Chia H. Wu ◽  
Robert J. Strauch
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Bone Scintigraphy ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Scaphoid Fracture ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Search Term ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Scaphoid Fractures

Background Scaphoid fracture accounts for approximately 15% of acute wrist fractures. Clinical examination and plain X-rays are commonly used to diagnose the fracture, but this approach may miss up to 16% of fractures in the absence of clear-cut lucent lines on plain radiographs. As such, additional imaging may be required. It is not clear which imaging modality is the best. The goal of this study is to summarize the current literature on scaphoid fractures to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of four different imaging modalities. Case Description A systematic-review and meta-analysis was performed. The search term “scaphoid fracture” was used and all prospective articles investigating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), bone scintigraphy, and ultrasound were included. In total, 2,808 abstracts were reviewed. Of these, 42 articles investigating 51 different diagnostic tools in 2,507 patients were included. Literature Review The mean age was 34.1 ± 5.7 years, and the overall incidence of scaphoid fractures missed on X-ray and diagnosed on advanced imaging was 21.8%. MRI had the highest sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing scaphoid fractures, which were 94.2 and 97.7%, respectively, followed by CT scan with a sensitivity and specificity at 81.5 and 96.0%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound were 81.5 and 77.4%, respectively. Significant differences between MRI, bone scintigraphy, CT, and ultrasound were identified. Clinical Relevance MRI has higher sensitivity and specificity than CT scan, bone scintigraphy, or ultrasound. Level of Evidence This is a Level II systematic review.

Scaphoid fracture displacement is not correlated with the fracture angle

2021 ◽  
pp. 175319342110044
Author(s):  
Ophir Aruse ◽  
Igor Immerman ◽  
Omar Badir ◽  
Madi El Haj ◽  
Ido Volk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Principal Component Analysis ◽  
Computer Model ◽  
Scaphoid Fracture ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Fracture Angle ◽  
Fracture Displacement ◽  
Scaphoid Fractures

Classifications of scaphoid fractures associate the angle of the fracture with its stability. To examine this assumption, we measured acute scaphoid fracture angles and inclinations in relation to different scaphoid axes, using fracture displacement as an indicator of instability. We examined the effect of using different axes on the measurements of angles. CT scans of 133 scaphoid fractures were classified according to the location of the fractures. Using a three-dimensional computer model, we computed four scaphoid axes. For each fracture, we then measured the fracture angle and the direction of the fracture inclination in relation to each one of the axes. We found a correlation between displacement and the angles of proximal fractures using one of these axes (the surface principal component analysis axis). No such correlations were found for waist fractures, which were the majority of fractures. There were significant differences between the measurements made with different axes. The findings indicate that the angle of the fracture and the direction of the fracture inclination are minor factors in the displacement of most scaphoid fractures. Level of evidence: III

Clinical Assessment of Scaphoid Injuries and the Detection of Fractures

1996 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Grover
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Clinical Assessment ◽  
Tissue Injury ◽  
Wrist Joint ◽  
Scaphoid Fracture ◽  
Soft Tissue Injury ◽  
X Rays ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Scaphoid Fractures ◽  
Prospective Comparison

Difficulty in interpreting X-rays following carpal injury emphasizes the importance of clinical assessment in diagnosing scaphoid fractures. The classical sign of tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox is not specific and leads to many unnecessary out-patient reviews. A prospective comparison was made between anatomical snuffbox, scaphoid tubercle and scaphoid compression tenderness as indicators of scaphoid fracture in 221 patients with suspected scaphoid injury. Swelling was determined by measuring the difference in circumference at the wrist joint to compare between fracture and soft tissue injury. Scaphoid compression tenderness was found to be the most accurate test with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 80%. Swelling of the wrist joint was significantly greater when there was a fracture, compared to soft tissue injury alone, even when the initial X-ray was normal. This was independent of any physiological variation in circumference between dominant and non-dominant sides. Scaphoid compression tenderness is therefore suggested as the most accurate indicator of scaphoid fracture and marked swelling should raise suspicion even if the X-ray is normal.

X-Ray Diagnosis of Acute Scaphoid Fractures

2006 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. C. CHEUNG ◽  
C. J. LEVER ◽  
A. D. MORRIS
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Review ◽  
Scaphoid Fracture ◽  
Initial Presentation ◽  
Alternative View ◽  
X Rays ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Scaphoid Fractures ◽  
Suspected Scaphoid Fracture

In a retrospective review of the radiographs taken for 113 acute scaphoid fractures, each view was assessed for the clarity of demonstration of the fracture. The X-rays on which diagnosis of fracture were made, were taken between 0 and 16 days after injury (mean, 2 days). Whenever a lateral, supinated oblique or elongated view was taken, the fracture was always seen clearly on an alternative view. We recommend the use of four views at initial presentation of suspected scaphoid fracture: PA and lateral to assess carpal alignment, with pronated oblique and ulnar deviated PA to detect the fracture.

The influence of fracture location and comminution on acute scaphoid fracture displacement: three-dimensional CT analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 175319342110409
Author(s):  
Anne Eva J. Bulstra ◽  
Rami M. A. Al-Dirini ◽  
Arthur Turow ◽  
Miriam G. E. Oldhoff ◽  
Kimberley Bryant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scaphoid Fracture ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Dorsal Side ◽  
Proximal Fragment ◽  
Exit Point ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Fracture Location ◽  
Fracture Displacement ◽  
Scaphoid Fractures ◽  
Ct Analysis

We aimed to assess the influence of fracture location and comminution on acute scaphoid fracture displacement using three-dimensional CT. CT scans of 51 adults with an acute scaphoid fracture were included. Three-dimensional CT was used to assess fracture location, comminution and displacement. Fracture location was expressed as the height of the cortical breach on the volar and dorsal side of the scaphoid relative to total scaphoid length (%), corresponding to the fracture’s entry and exit point, respectively. We found a near-linear relation between dorsal fracture location and displacement. As dorsal fracture location became more distal, translation (ulnar, proximal, volar) and angulation (flexion, pronation) of the distal fragment relative to the proximal fragment increased. Comminuted fractures had more displacement. Dorsal fracture location predictably dictates the direction of translation and angulation in displaced scaphoid fractures. Surgeon attention to dorsal fracture location can help identify displacement patterns and provide guidance in adequately reducing a displaced scaphoid fracture. Level of evidence: III

Management and Outcomes of Clinical Scaphoid Fractures in Children

Hand ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 155894472093029
Author(s):  
Aneesh Karir ◽  
Minh N. Q. Huynh ◽  
Sasha Carsen ◽  
Kevin Smit ◽  
Kevin Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Scaphoid Fracture ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Fracture Rate ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Advanced Imaging ◽  
Scaphoid Fractures ◽  
Fractures In Children ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Mean Time ◽  
Pediatric Center

Background: Acute wrist trauma with clinical suspicion of a scaphoid fracture, but normal radiographs, is known as a clinical scaphoid fracture. Standard treatment involves immobilization and repeat radiographs in 10 to 14 days. When repeat radiographs are normal but a scaphoid fracture is still clinically suspected, the optimal management in children is unknown. This study retrospectively assessed the management and outcomes of pediatric patients diagnosed with clinical scaphoid fractures. Methods: A retrospective study was performed of all patients over a 2-year period treated for a clinical scaphoid fracture at a tertiary pediatric center. Patients were included if they had clinical signs of a scaphoid fracture and 2 negative x-rays 7 to 14 days apart postinjury. Results: Ninety-one patients with a mean age of 13.2 years (range: 7.8-17.7) were included. Sixteen patients (17.6%) underwent computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at a mean time of 10.2 weeks postinjury. Five patients (5.5%) were diagnosed with a scaphoid fracture by x-ray or CT at an average of 4.5 weeks postinjury (range: 3-6). Six patients were diagnosed with other wrist fractures at a mean time postinjury of 3.1 (range: 3-6.5) weeks. Out of 195 total radiographs, the surgeon and radiologist disagreed on 59 (30.2%) images. No patients underwent surgery. Conclusions: Management of clinical scaphoid fractures at our institution was relatively uniform: nearly all patients were immobilized and less than 20% received advanced imaging. Our findings suggest a low but non-zero occult scaphoid fracture rate, discordance in radiologic interpretation, and lack of advanced imaging, providing an avenue for future prospective studies.

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