Scaphoid Nonunion Volar Plating with Pure Nonvascularized Cancellous Autograft

Abstract Background The natural history of scaphoid nonunion is the development of degenerative arthritis. A lot of information is still unclear about this progression. The purpose of this study is to analyze patients with scaphoid nonunions who had not received any kind of treatment and to assess the functional outcome. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study that analyzed the patients with chronic scaphoid nonunions between 2009 and 2019. None of the patients received any treatment. The age at the time of injury, examination, pattern of fracture, types of scaphoid nonunion, symptoms, and duration of nonunion were noted. Diagnosis was confirmed by radiographs, computed tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Scapholunate and radiolunate angles were recorded. Pain score, modified mayo wrist score, grip strength, range of movement, and the functional outcome of these scaphoid nonunions were analyzed. A statistical correlation between the scaphoid nonunion presentations and the functional outcome was assessed. Results The mean age of the patients was 62 years (range: 35–82 years.). There were 17 male and 3 female patients. There were 9 waist and 11 proximal pole scaphoid nonunions. The mean duration of scaphoid nonunion was 34 years (range: 10–62 years). None of the patients had avascular necrosis (AVN) of the proximal scaphoid. The age at examination, gender, side of injury, fracture pattern (waist/proximal pole), fracture displacement ≤ 1 mm or > 1 mm, nonunion duration, and radiographic arthritic parameters had no significant impact on the functional outcome. Conclusions Untreated chronic scaphoid nonunion leads to the development of degenerative arthritis over a period of years, which is still unpredictable. Most of the patients become aware of the nonunion following a precedent injury or other reasons. Most of the patients have fair/good functional outcome despite reduced range of movements and grip strength. Many do not favor surgical intervention in the course of nonunion. Chronic nonunions open a lot of unanswered questions. Clinical relevance There have been numerous studies on the treatment aspects of scaphoid nonunion, with little knowledge about certain people with nonunion who did not have any kind of treatment. The demographics, clinical findings, and radiological parameters do confirm the progression of these nonunion to arthritis, but most of them had fair-to-good outcome throughout their life. It opens our thinking about the real need of treatment in such nonunions and raises numerous questions about the disease. Level of evidence This is a Level IV study.

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Single Versus Dual Headless Compression Screw Fixation of Scaphoid Nonunions: A Biomechanical Comparison

Hand ◽

10.1177/1558944720974111 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 155894472097411

Author(s):

Luke T. Nicholson ◽

Kristen M. Sochol ◽

Ali Azad ◽

Ram Kiran Alluri ◽

J. Ryan Hill ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Screw Fixation ◽

Qualitative Assessment ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Scaphoid Nonunion ◽

Compression Screw ◽

Single Screw ◽

Headless Compression Screw ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Load To Failure ◽

Headless Compression Screws

Background: Management of scaphoid nonunions with bone loss varies substantially. Commonly, internal fixation consists of a single headless compression screw. Recently, some authors have reported on the theoretical benefits of dual-screw fixation. We hypothesized that using 2 headless compression screws would impart improved stiffness over a single-screw construct. Methods: Using a cadaveric model, we compared biomechanical characteristics of a single tapered 3.5- to 3.6-mm headless compression screw with 2 tapered 2.5- to 2.8-mm headless compression screws in a scaphoid waist nonunion model. The primary outcome measurement was construct stiffness. Secondary outcome measurements included load at 1 and 2 mm of displacement, load to failure for each specimen, and qualitative assessment of mode of failure. Results: Stiffness during load to failure was not significantly different between single- and double-screw configurations ( P = .8). Load to failure demonstrated no statistically significant difference between single- and double-screw configurations. Using a qualitative assessment, the double-screw construct maintained rotational stability more than the single-screw construct ( P = .029). Conclusions: Single- and double-screw fixation constructs in a cadaveric scaphoid nonunion model demonstrate similar construct stiffness, load to failure, and load to 1- and 2-mm displacement. Modes of failure may differ between constructs and represent an area for further study. The theoretical benefit of dual-screw fixation should be weighed against the morphologic limitations to placing 2 screws in a scaphoid nonunion.

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Vascularized pisiform graft for the treatment of scaphoid nonunion: An anatomical study

Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1016/j.hansur.2021.02.003 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

R. Foissac ◽

S. Piereschi ◽

O. Camuzard

Keyword(s):

Anatomical Study ◽

Scaphoid Nonunion

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Scaphoid Nonunion Is a Disabling Problem in a Military Population

Hand ◽

10.1177/15589447211003177 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 155894472110031

Author(s):

Nicholas H. Lake ◽

Rafae Khan ◽

Kyle W. Mombell ◽

Mary Fergus ◽

Dominic Gomez-Leonardelli

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcome ◽

Military Service ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

High Rate ◽

Scaphoid Nonunion ◽

Military Population ◽

Outcome Scores ◽

The Mean ◽

Return To Duty

Background Scaphoid nonunion can occur in up to 55% of displaced scaphoid fractures. Long-term functional outcomes of this injury are lacking. In addition, no study has published rate of return to active military service after this injury. Our goal was to educate providers and patients on expected functional outcomes and return to duty after treatment of scaphoid nonunion. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent scaphoid nonunion repair at our institution from 2008 to 2017. The primary outcome measures were union rates, return to duty rates, and functional outcome scores obtained by telephone call. A total of 144 patients were included and 40 responded to our call for long-term follow-up. Results A total of 72% of patients achieved union after surgery, 18% required revision surgery, and 74% of patients were able to return to full duty after surgery. However, this number progressively decreased at 1, 2, and 5 years after surgery. At an average of 5.9 years after surgery, the mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (qDASH) score was 23.9. The mean qDASH for patients who achieved union (21.9) was significantly lower than those with persistent nonunion (29.2) ( P = .0115). Conclusion Scaphoid nonunion is a difficult problem in the military. We found a high rate of persistent nonunion often requiring revision to partial or full wrist arthrodesis. In addition, our long-term functional outcome scores demonstrate significant disability after this injury, even when union is achieved. This information can help us better counsel our patients and set expectations after treatment of this injury.

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Bone Morphogenetic Protein in Scaphoid Nonunion: A Systematic Review

Journal of Wrist Surgery ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1722332 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Michael M. Polmear ◽

Ashley B. Anderson ◽

Paul J. Lanier ◽

Justin D. Orr ◽

Leon J. Nesti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Literature Review ◽

Bone Morphogenetic Protein ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Scaphoid Nonunion ◽

Journal Articles ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Carpal Collapse ◽

Morphogenetic Protein ◽

Combination Of Methods

Abstract Background Scaphoid nonunion can lead to carpal collapse and osteoarthritis, a painfully debilitating problem. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) has been successfully implemented to augment bone healing in other circumstances, but its use in scaphoid nonunion has yielded conflicting results. Case Description The purpose of this study is to assess the outcomes and complications of scaphoid nonunion treated surgically with BMP. Literature Review A literature review of all available journal articles citing the use of BMP in scaphoid nonunion surgery from 2002 to 2019 was conducted. We included studies that used BMP as an adjunct to surgical treatment for scaphoid nonunions in both the primary and revision settings with computed tomography determination of union. Demographic information, dose of BMP, tobacco use, outcomes, and complications were recorded. A total of 21 cases were included from four different studies meeting inclusion criteria. Clinical Relevance The union rates were 90.5% overall, 100% for primary surgeries, and 77.8% for revision surgeries. Five patients (24%) experienced 11 complications, including four cases (19%) of heterotrophic ossification. Use of BMP in scaphoid nonunion surgery resulted in a 90.5% overall union rate but was also associated with complications such as heterotopic ossification. All included studies used BMP to augment bone graft, screw or wire fixation, or a combination of methods. The efficacy of BMP in scaphoid nonunion is unclear, and a sufficiently powered, randomized controlled trial is needed to determine optimal fixation methods, dosing, and morbidity of the use of BMP. Level of Evidence This is a Level IC, therapeutic interventional study.

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145 Outcomes of Unstable Distal Radius Fractures – A Meta-Analysis of Bridging External Fixation Versus Volar Plating

British Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1093/bjs/znab135.012 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

J Mulrain ◽

K Joshi ◽

F Doyle ◽

A Abdulkarim

Keyword(s):

External Fixation ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Plate Fixation ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Volar Plating ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Introduction Distal radius fractures are common and trends for fixation have changed with increased use of volar locking plates in recent time. A meta-analysis will summarise the best evidence for treatment. Method A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA methodology to identify studies that reported clinical and/or radiological outcomes in patients with AO type C distal radius fractures when treated with external fixation versus ORIF. Results 10 randomised trials were included in this review, reporting on 967 patients. Clinical outcomes are in favour of volar plating at 3 months post-operation, but no difference between the two groups is seen at 6 or 12 months. Analysis of complication rates shows a minute increase in risk-ratio for volar plating versus external fixation. Subgroup analysis showed significantly higher re-operations after plate fixation and significantly higher infection after external fixation. Conclusions Internal fixation of complex distal radius fractures confers an improved clinical outcome at early follow up only and a minimally increased risk of complications. The improved grip strength with volar plating is only superior at early follow up and no long-term superiority is seen with either intervention. The type of surgery in this injury type therefore remains at the surgeon’s consideration on a case-by-case basis.

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Are Vascularized Periosteal Flaps Useful for the Treatment of Difficult Scaphoid Nonunion in Adults? A Prospective Cohort Study of 32 Patients

The Journal Of Hand Surgery ◽

10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.06.013 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 45 (10) ◽

pp. 924-936

Author(s):

Sergi Barrera-Ochoa ◽

Lidia-Ana Martin-Dominguez ◽

David Campillo-Recio ◽

Sergi Alabau-Rodriguez ◽

Xavier Mir-Bullo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Prospective Cohort Study ◽

Prospective Cohort ◽

Scaphoid Nonunion

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Factors Associated with Scaphoid Nonunion following Early Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

Journal of Wrist Surgery ◽

10.1055/s-0039-3402769 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 09 (02) ◽

pp. 141-149

Author(s):

Pooja Prabhakar ◽

Lauren Wessel ◽

Joseph Nguyen ◽

Jeffrey Stepan ◽

Michelle Carlson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Internal Fixation ◽

Open Reduction ◽

Scaphoid Fracture ◽

Receiver Operating Curve ◽

Scaphoid Nonunion ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Fracture Location ◽

Scaphoid Fractures ◽

Time From Injury

Abstract Background Nonunion after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of scaphoid fractures is reported in 5 to 30% of cases; however, predictors of nonunion are not clearly defined. Objective The purpose of this study is to determine fracture characteristics and surgical factors which may influence progression to nonunion after scaphoid fracture ORIF. Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective case–control study of scaphoid fractures treated by early ORIF between 2003 and 2017. Inclusion criteria were surgical fixation within 6 months from date of injury and postoperative CT with minimum clinical follow-up of 6 months to evaluate healing. Forty-eight patients were included in this study. Nonunion cases were matched by age, sex, and fracture location to patients who progressed to fracture union in the 1:2 ratio. Results This series of 48 patients matched 16 nonunion cases with 32 cases that progressed to union. Fracture location was proximal pole in 15% (7/48) and waist in 85% (41/48). Multivariate regression demonstrated that shorter length of time from injury to initial ORIF and smaller percent of proximal fracture fragment volume were significantly associated with scaphoid nonunion after ORIF (63 vs. 27 days and 34 vs. 40%, respectively). Receiver operating curve analysis revealed that fracture volume below 38% and time from injury to surgery greater than 31 days were associated with nonunion. Conclusion Increased likelihood for nonunion was found when the fracture was treated greater than 31 days from injury and when fracture volume was less than 38% of the entire scaphoid. Level of Evidence This is a Level III, therapeutic study.

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