Pedicled vascularized bone grafts (Zaidemberg’s technique) were used to treat 22 established scaphoid fracture nonunions, 16 of which were found to have avascular proximal poles at surgery. After a follow-up of 1–3 years, only six (27%) of the 22 fracture nonunions had united. Only two of the 16 nonunions with avascular proximal poles united, compared with four of the six nonunions with vascular proximal poles. We conclude that this technique of pedicled vascularized bone grafting may not improve the union rate for scaphoid fracture nonunions with avascular proximal pole fragments.
A vascularized bone graft from the dorsoradial aspect of the distal radius was used with internal fixation to treat nonunion of the scaphoid in ten patients who had not received any previous surgical treatment. Five cases were classified as Lichtman type I and five as type II. The average age was 30 years (range, 18–40 years). Associated avascular necrosis was observed in five cases. Post-operatively pain was relieved and union was achieved in all cases. The mean time to union was 6.5 weeks. Range of motion, grip strength and pinch strength were also restored satisfactorily. These results suggest that this vascularized bone graft should be used as the primary procedure in Lichtman type I and II of scaphoid nonunions, regardless of the presence of avascular necrosis of the proximal pole.
The scaphoid is the most common fractured bone in the wrist. Despite adequate non-surgical treatment, around 10% to 15% of these fractures will not heal. Untreated scaphoid non-union can cause a scaphoid non-union advance collapse (SNAC), this is a progressive deformity and can cause degenerative changes in the wrist. Surgery is focused on achieving consolidation, pain reduction and a good position of the scaphoid while preventing osteoarthritis in the long-term. Surgery consists of reduction and fixation of the scaphoid with a non-vascularized or vascularized bone graft. An overview of the most used vascularized and non-vascularized bone grafts and their indications are presented.
The Role of Medial Femoral Condyle Free Vascularized Bone Graft for the Treatment of Failed Scaphoid Nonunion Surgery associated with Proximal Pole Avascular Necrosis