An Atypically Displaced Scaphoid Fracture With Proximal Fragment in the Flexor Compartment of the Forearm: A Case Report.

CASE: This case report details the rare presentation of a scaphoid waist fracture in a 27-year-old right-hand-dominant man, with an atypical displacement of the proximal fracture fragment into the flexor compartment of the forearm. Urgent open reduction and internal fixation using a Herbert screw were performed, resulting in fracture union and favorable wrist function at the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: This case serves as a reminder that tailored, timely interventions for challenging scaphoid fractures can yield favorable long-term results, underscoring the significance of individualized approaches in fracture management.

Graft choice for managing scaphoid non-union: umbrella review.

INTRODUCTION: Since the introduction of the non-vascularized bone graft by Matti and Russe, followed by vascularized grafts and more recently by free vascularized bone grafts, the choice of technique in scaphoid non-union has been controversial. The purpose of the present study was to address the following questions in an umbrella review: Do union rates differ between techniques? Is there any evidence that one technique is superior to another? METHODS: An umbrella review conducted during September 2023 month included systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The primary criterion was mean union rate according to technique. The secondary criterion was indication according to type of non-union. The PubMed, Cochrane, and MEDLINE databases were searched using a predefined methodology according to the criteria of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA version 2020). The quality of the systematic reviews included was evaluated by the "Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews" instrument (AMSTAR 2). RESULTS: Nine studies (systematic reviews or meta-analyses) were included. Quality ranged between low and high. A Table was constructed to summarize the qualitative findings of each article. There was no significant difference in union rates between vascularized and non-vascularized bone grafts in 8 of the 9 studies: vascularized bone graft, 84-92%; non-vascularized bone graft, 80-88%. One study found higher union rates with vascularized bone graft (RR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0-1.2; P = 0.02), but no significant difference in functional results. However, vascularized bone graft was more effective in case of avascular necrosis of the proximal pole (74-88% union for vascularized bone graft vs. 47-62% for non-vascularized bone graft) and in revision cases, while non-vascularized bone graft showed fewer failures in case of humpback deformity and/or dorsal intercalated segment instability (IRR 0.7 ± 0.09; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This umbrella review provides an overview for management of scaphoid non-union. There were no significant global differences between techniques. Thus, various factors need to be considered when selecting the appropriate technique.

Lunate-capitate arthrodesis for scaphoid nonunion: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) injuries are frequently associated with irreversible degenerative wrist arthritic changes that necessitate surgical intervention. Midcarpal fusion remains the mainstay of the management of SNAC II and III injuries. A successful four-corner fusion (4CF) relies on a stable lunate-capitate fusion (LCF). There have been reports of management relying solely on LCF. The outcomes of LC- and 4 C-fusions in SNAC injuries were not widely documented. The objective of this research is to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of both fusion procedures in the management of SNAC II and III wrist injuries, with a focus on reporting associated complications, functional and radiological outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study encompassed 65 patients diagnosed with SNAC II and III wrist injuries who underwent limited wrist fusion procedures between 2015 and 2024, with a minimum of 2 years of postoperative follow-up. Exclusion criteria encompassed patients with carpal instability, prior wrist surgical interventions, and scapholunate advanced collapse. Following the fusion procedure performed, patients were stratified into two groups: the LCF group consisting of 31 patients, and the 4CF group comprising 34 patients. Preoperative and intraoperative data were retrieved from the patient's medical records. At their final follow-up appointments, patients underwent comprehensive radiographic and clinical evaluations. Clinical outcomes including hand grip strength, range of motion, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score, and the Mayo Modified Wrist Score, were compared between groups. Any associated complications were reported. RESULTS: The average healing time was 74.7 ± 15.6 and 72.2 ± 13.2 days for the LCF and 4CF groups, respectively. At the final visit, all patients showed functional improvement relative to their preoperative status, with comparable wrist range of motions observed in both groups. The functional wrist scores were slightly better in the LCF patients (P > 0.05). The average grip strength was significantly greater in the LCF group (P = 0.04), with mean strength values of 86.8% and 82.1% of the contralateral side, for the LCF and 4CF groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: The LCF is not less efficient than the 4CF in the treatment of SNAC II and III wrist injuries. Through a less time-consuming procedure, LCF can efficiently provide comparable results to 4CF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: level IV evidence.

Arthroscopic assisted versus open non-vascularized bone grafting in delayed union and nonunion of the scaphoid: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Delayed union and nonunion of the scaphoid is a common complication often requiring surgical reconstruction and bone grafting. Our goal was to systematically assess the healing time and clinical outcomes following arthroscopic-assisted versus open non-vascularized bone grafting of the scaphoid. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and Cochrane Central databases was completed from inception to September 2023. We included randomized trials and observational studies that reported outcomes following scaphoid delayed union/nonunion comparing arthroscopic-assisted vs. open non-vascularized bone grafting. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. One investigator assessed certainty of evidence and a senior investigator confirmed the assessment. We pooled effects using random-effects models, when possible, for all outcomes reported by more than 1 study. RESULTS: Overall, 26 studies and 822 patients were included in the study. Very low certainty evidence demonstrated that arthroscopic-assisted surgery may decrease healing time compared to open surgery (weighted mean difference [WMD] -7.8 weeks; 95%CI -12.8 to -2.8). Arthroscopic bone grafting did not result in an improvement in union rate (relative risk 1.01; 95%CI 0.9 to 1.09). The pooled data in arthroscopic graft group showed mean time to union of 11.4 weeks (95%CI: 10.4 to 12.5) with union rate of 95% (95%CI 91-98%). A single comparative study reported very low certainty evidence that arthroscopy-assisted vs. open surgery may not have an effect on pain relief (MD 0 cm, 95%CI -0.4 to 0.5 on VAS 10 cm for pain) or improving function (MD -1.2, 95% CI -4.8 to 2.3 on 100 points DASH). CONCLUSION AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Our results suggest that arthroscopic-assisted non-vascularized bone grafting may be associated with improved average weeks to heal in comparison with open surgery for scaphoid delayed union/nonunion reconstruction with overall comparable union rates. There is insufficient evidence to assess the effects of arthroscopic-assisted reconstruction on union rate, time to union, and patient-reported outcomes in patients with other important nonunion characteristics such as established humpback deformity.

Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Versus Sham in the Treatment of Operatively Managed Scaphoid Nonunions: The SNAPU Randomized Controlled Trial.

UPDATE: This article was updated on September 4, 2024 because of a previous error, which was discovered after the preliminary version of the article was posted online. In the Note listing the members of the Wrist and Elbow Research Group of Canada, the text that had read "Thomas T. Goetz, MD, FRCSC" now reads "Thomas J. Goetz, MD, FRCSC". BACKGROUND: The primary goal after open reduction and internal fixation of an established scaphoid nonunion is to achieve union. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been reported to increase the rate of union and to decrease the time to union for multiple fractures and nonunions in clinical and animal models. The evidence for LIPUS in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion, however, is sparse. The aim of this study was to assess whether active LIPUS (relative to sham LIPUS) accelerates the time to union following surgery for scaphoid nonunion. METHODS: Adults with a scaphoid nonunion indicated for surgery were recruited for a multicenter, prospective, double-blinded randomized controlled trial. After surgery, patients self-administered activated or sham LIPUS units beginning at their first postoperative visit. The primary outcome was the time to union on serial computed tomography (CT) scans starting 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported outcome measures, range of motion, and grip strength. RESULTS: A total of 142 subjects completed the study (69 in the active LIPUS group and 73 in the sham group). The average age was 27 years, and the cohort was 88% male. There was no difference in time to union (p = 0.854; hazard ratio, 0.965; 95% confidence interval, 0.663 to 1.405). Likewise, there were no differences between the active LIPUS and sham groups with respect to any of the secondary outcomes, except for wrist flexion at baseline (p = 0.008) and at final follow-up (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with LIPUS had no effect on reducing time to union in patients who underwent surgical fixation of established scaphoid nonunions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Comparison of Radiographic Measurement Parameters of the Wrist in Patients with and without Scaphoid Fracture after Fall on an Outstretched Hand.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effects of anatomical variations on the mechanism of scaphoid fracture by comparing the radiologic parameters of the wrist of patients with and without scaphoid fracture after a fall on an outstretched hand. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional comparative retrospective analysis of radiographs of patients with (Group 1, n=169) and without scaphoid fracture (Group 2, n=188). Morphometric data were measured including radial inclination (RI), radial height (RH), ulnar variance (UV), carpal height (CH) ratio, revised carpal height (RCH) ratio and palmar tilt of the distal radius (PT). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic performance for each variable with statistically significant difference. RESULTS: The mean RI and PT degrees and RH length were statistically significantly higher, and the mean UV was lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2. No difference was determined between the groups with respect to the CH ratio and RCH ratio. With ROC curve analysis, the cut-off value with the highest odds ratio was determined as RH (Cut-off value=10.77 mm, OR=21.886). CONCLUSIONS: Although higher RI, RH, PT values and more negative ulnar variance were observed in the scaphoid fracture group compared to the non-fracture group, ROC curve analysis showed that only increased RH can be considered as a possible risk factor for scaphoid fractures after fall on an outstretched hand. KEY WORDS: radiographs, risk factor, scaphoid fracture, wrist morphology.

Accuracy of wrist fracture detection on radiographs by artificial intelligence compared to human clinicians. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence (AI) and human readers in the detection of wrist fractures. METHOD: This study conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. Medline and Embase databases were searched for relevant articles published up to August 14, 2023. All included studies reported the diagnostic performance of AI to detect wrist fractures, with or without comparison to human readers. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled sensitivity and specificity of AI and human experts in detecting distal radius, and scaphoid fractures respectively. RESULTS: Of 213 identified records, 20 studies were included after abstract screening and full-text review. Nine articles examined distal radius fractures, while eight studies examined scaphoid fractures. One study included distal radius and scaphoid fractures, and two studies examined paediatric distal radius fractures. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for AI in detecting distal radius fractures were 0.92 (95% CI 0.88-0.95) and 0.89 (0.84-0.92), respectively. The corresponding values for human readers were 0.95 (0.91-0.97) and 0.94 (0.91-0.96). For scaphoid fractures, pooled sensitivity and specificity for AI were 0.85 (0.73-0.92) and 0.83 (0.76-0.89), while human experts exhibited 0.71 (0.66-0.76) and 0.93 (0.90-0.95), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results indicate comparable diagnostic accuracy between AI and human readers, especially for distal radius fractures. For the detection of scaphoid fractures, the human readers were similarly sensitive but more specific. These findings underscore the potential of AI to enhance fracture detection accuracy and improve clinical workflow, rather than to replace human intelligence.

Thirty-Three-Year Follow-up Following Silicone Scaphoid Arthroplasty: A Case Report.

CASE: A 64-year-old man presented with a 3-year history of right wrist pain and swelling 33 years after a silicone scaphoid arthroplasty for chronic scaphoid nonunion. Radiographs demonstrated a deformed scaphoid implant, carpal and distal radius cysts, and mild carpal collapse. He elected to undergo a wrist arthrodesis with a dorsal fusion plate after failing conservative management. CONCLUSION: Although carpal bone silicone implant arthroplasties of the wrist have long been abandoned, our patient was pain free and fully functional for 3 decades. He was pleased to undergo serial examinations with radiographs for 30 years without any therapeutic intervention.

In vivo non-contact regions of proximal scaphoid in six extreme wrist positions.

INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the scaphoid are the most common carpal injuries, account for 80-90% of all carpal fractures. 5-15% nonunion of scaphoid fractures were reported even with adequate primary treatment, which probably progresses to osteoarthritic changes several decades later. Researches regarding to scaphoid physiological characteristic in vitro and in vivo and kinds of trials in clinical practice are being kept on going, which contribute much to our clinical practice. With the advancing wrist arthroscopy, 3D-print patient-specific drill guide, and intraoperative fluoroscopic guidance, dorsal approach (mini-invasive and percutaneous technique) is being popular, through which we can implant the screw in good coincidence with biomechanics and with less disturbing tenuous blood supply of the scaphoid. Investigating the noncontact area of the dorsal proximal scaphoid in different wrist positions can facilitate preoperatively estimating insert point of the screw. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight volunteers were recruited to accept CT scans in six extreme wrist positions. The images of DICOM mode were imput into the Mimics analytical system, the segmented scaphoid, lunate and radius were exported in mode of ASCII STL and were opened in the software of Geomagic studio. We created four planes based on anatomic markers on the surface of the radius and scaphoid to confine the proximal scaphoid to form the so-called non-contact regions. We measured and compared the areas in six targeted positions. RESULTS: Amidst six extreme wrist positions, area of the non-contact region in extreme dorsal extension (59.81 ± 26.46 mm2) was significantly the smallest, and it in extreme palmar flexion significantly was largest (170.51 ± 30.44 mm2). The non-contact regions increased in order of dorsal extension, supination, ulnar deviation, radial deviation, pronation and palmar flexion. As for two-group comparison, the non-contact region showed significantly larger (p < 0.05) in palmar flexion than the others except for in pronation individually, and in radial deviation (p < 0.05) than in dorsal extension. CONCLUSIONS: Sufficient space was available for the screw started from the dorsal approach despite the wrist positions.

Post-processing of quantitative 4D-CT for initial evaluation of scapholunate Instability: Assessment of simplified approaches to data analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of simplified post-processing approaches for quantitative wrist 4D-CT in the assessment of scapholunate instability (SLI). METHODS: A prospective monocentric case-control study included 60 patients with suspected post-traumatic scapholunate ligament (SLL) tears and persistent pain. Of these, 40 patients exhibited SLL tears, subdivided into two groups of 20 each: one group with completely torn ligaments and the other with partially torn ligaments. The remaining 20 patients, whose SLLs were intact, served as controls. 4D-CT and CT arthrography were performed, and post-processed by two readers using three approaches: the standard method with full data assessment and dedicated software, partial data assessment with post-processing software (bone locking), and partial data assessment without post-processing software (no bone locking). The scapholunate gap (SLG) parameter was measured in millimeters to evaluate scapholunate diastasis during radioulnar deviation (RUD). The scapholunate ligament status on CT arthrography was considered the gold standard. RESULTS: The SLG-derived parameters (range, mean, and maximal values) were significantly increased in patients with both intact and torn scapholunate ligaments across all post-processing approaches (P values ranging from 0.001 to 0.004). SLG range was the best parameter for diagnosing SLL tears, with ROC AUC values ranging from 0.7 to 0.88 across the three post-processing methods. The interobserver reproducibility was better with the alternative approaches (ICC values 0.93-0.96) compared to the standard approach (ICC values 0.65-0.72). Additionally, post-processing time was shorter with the alternative approaches, especially when specific software was not used (reduced from 10 to three minutes). CONCLUSION: Simpler approaches to wrist 4D-CT data analysis yielded acceptable diagnostic performances and improved interobserver reproducibility compared to the standard approach.

[Trans-scapho-perilunar fracture-dislocation: a case report]. / Fractura-luxación transescafo-perilunar: reporte de un caso clínico.

Trans-scaphoid perilunate fractures-dislocations are rare injuries caused by high-energy trauma of the wrist. Diagnosis is based on medical history, physical examination, and tools such as radiographs, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging. Early treatment consists of closed reduction and casting to stabilize the limb. Definitive treatment is surgical and includes bone and soft tissue repair. A case of trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture-dislocation is presented, along with diagnosis, management and outcome.

Las fracturas-luxaciones transescafo-perilunares son lesiones infrecuentes causadas por impactos de alta energía hacia la muñeca. El diagnóstico se basa en la historia clínica, exploración física y herramientas como la radiografía, la tomografía computarizada y la resonancia magnética. El manejo inmediato consiste en una reducción cerrada e inmovilización para estabilizar la extremidad. El tratamiento definitivo es de carácter quirúrgico e incluye la reparación ósea y de tejidos blandos. Se presenta un caso de fractura-luxación transescafo-perilunar, su diagnóstico, manejo y evolución.

Detection of scapholunate interosseous ligament injury using dynamic computed tomography-derived arthrokinematics: A prospective clinical trial.

Scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries are a major cause of wrist instability and can be difficult to diagnose radiographically. To improve early diagnosis of scapholunate ligament injuries, we compared injury detection between bilateral routine clinical radiographs, static CT, and dynamic four-dimensional CT (4DCT) during wrist flexion-extension and radioulnar deviation. Participants with unilateral scapholunate ligament injuries were recruited to a prospective clinical trial investigating the diagnostic utility of 4DCT imaging for ligamentous wrist injury. Twenty-one participants underwent arthroscopic surgery to confirm scapholunate ligament injury. Arthrokinematics, defined as distributions of interosseous proximities across radioscaphoid and scapholunate articular surfaces at different positions within the motion cycle, were used as CT-derived biomarkers. Preoperative radiographs, static CT, and extrema of 4DCT were compared between uninjured and injured wrists using Wilcoxon signed rank or Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Median interosseous proximities at the scapholunate interval were significantly greater in the injured versus the uninjured wrists at static-neutral and maximum flexion, extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation. Mean cumulative distribution functions at the radioscaphoid joint were not significantly different between wrists but were significantly shifted at the scapholunate interval towards increased interosseous proximities in injured versus uninjured wrists in all positions. Median and cumulative distribution scapholunate proximities from static-neutral and 4DCT-derived extrema reflect injury status.

A comparative study of volar locking-plate fixation with corticocancellous and pure cancellous bone grafts for scaphoid nonunion with dorsal intercalated segmental instability secondary to scaphoid humpback deformity.

INTRODUCTION: Bone grafts for scaphoid nonunion with deformity include cortcicocancellous or pure cancellous bone grafts. This study compared the outcomes between two types of bone grafts when employing a volar locking-plate in patients with scaphoid nonunion with dorsal intercalated segmental instability (DISI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 34 patients with scaphoid nonunion and DISI due to humpback deformity treated between March 2017 and January 2022. Two types of bone grafts were obtained from iliac crest. Twenty of the corticocancellous (CC) group underwent a wedge-shaped graft, while 14 patients of the pure cancellous (C-only) group received graft chips. In both groups, a 1.5-mm anatomically pre-contoured locking plate was used for fixation. Radiographic evaluations included the union rate and carpal alignment including scapholunate angle (SLA), radiolunate angle (RLA), intrascaphoid angle (ISA) and scaphoid height to length ratio (HLR). Clinical assessments encompassed wrist range-of-motion, grip strength, and patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: Nineteen of the 20 patients in the CC group and 12 of the 14 patients in the C-only group respectively, achieving osseous union. The mean follow-up period in CC group was 14.7 (range, 12 ∼ 24) months and that in C-only group was 12.6 (range, 12 ∼ 15) months. Postoperatively, there were no significant intergroup differences of radiographic parameters including SLA (CC; 49.9° ± 6.7° vs. C-only; 48.9° ± 3.5°, P = 0.676), RLA (1.7° ± 6.4° vs. 2.4° ± 3.3°, P = 0.74), ISA (36° ± 7.5° vs. 36.6° ± 12.2°, P = 0.881), and HLR (0.54 ± 0.09 vs. 0.53 ± 0.05, P = 0.587). Clinical outcomes, including the flexion-extension arc (137° ± 30° vs. 158° ± 33°, P = 0.122), grip strength (93.4 % ± 15.4% vs. 99.5 % ± 16.7 %, P = 0.39), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores (11.2 ± 8.3 vs. 12.5 ± 7.7, P = 0.74) and Mayo Wrist Scores (81.2 ± 13.1 vs. 89 ± 11.4, P = 0.242) also showed no significant intergroup differences. CONCLUSIONS: Volar locking-plate fixation with pure cancellous bone grafts achieved outcomes comparable to those achieved with corticocancellous bone grafts in scaphoid nonunion with deformity, possibly due to the biomechanical advantages of the volar plate to provide structural supports.

Advances in the Treatment of Hand and Wrist Injuries in the Elite Athlete.

Caring for hand and wrist injuries in the elite athlete brings distinct challenges, with case-by-case decisions regarding surgical intervention and return-to-play. Metacarpal fractures, thumb ulnar collateral ligament tears, and scaphoid fractures are common upper-extremity injuries in the elite athlete that can be detrimental to playing time and future participation. Treatment should therefore endure the demand of accelerated rehabilitation and return-to-activity without compromising long-term outcomes. Fortunately, the literature has supported emerging management options that support goals specific to the athlete. This review examined the advances in surgical and perioperative treatment of metacarpal fractures, thumb ulnar collateral ligament injuries, and scaphoid fractures in the elite athlete.

Scapholunate Ligament Reconstruction With Internal Brace Augmentation Techniques for Chronic Scapholunate Dissociation: A Clinical Follow-up Study.

INTRODUCTION: The scapholunate ligament is the most important stabilizer of the scapholunate articulation. The management of chronic irreversible injuries of this ligament in the absence of preexisting arthritis of the wrist joint remains controversial. Recently, surgeons introduced a novel surgical technique using an internal brace (IB). Several biomechanical studies on this technique have been conducted using cadavers; however, very few studies have discussed the results in detail in actual clinical practice. Therefore, herein, we investigated the radiological and functional results of patients who underwent IB augmentation as a treatment for chronic scapholunate dissociation. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted from April 2018 to May 2022. Twenty-two patients with chronic scapholunate dissociation were treated using the IB augmentation technique, of whom 17 were followed-up for at least 1 year. Radiological results, including scapholunate distance, scapholunate angle, and radioscaphoid angle, were collected. Furthermore, clinical parameters, such as the visual analog scale (preoperative and at final follow-up), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores (preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively), and Mayo wrist scores (preoperative and at final follow-up), were measured. RESULTS: The scapholunate distance increased significantly in the affected wrist compared to the unaffected wrist, which improved after reconstruction in all wrist positions ( P < 0.05). Compared to the unaffected wrist, the scapholunate angle increased significantly in all positions ( P < 0.05) except for extension ( P = 0.535) and improved after reconstruction in all wrist positions. The radioscaphoid angle significantly increased compared to the angle of the unaffected wrist in all positions ( P < 0.05) except for extension ( P = 0.602) and clenched fist ( P = 0.556). This angle improved after reconstruction in all wrist positions except for extension ( P = 0.900). The visual analog scale score (7-2, preoperatively and at final follow-up) and Mayo wrist score (53-82, preoperatively and at final follow-up) improved after surgery. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores also improved after surgery (68, 53, 30, 7, preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that scapholunate ligament reconstruction using an autologous tendon and suture tape is a good reconstruction technique that can improve clinical symptoms and radiographic parameters with a shorter operation time and fewer complications than other reconstruction methods.

Treatment of AVN-Induced Proximal Pole Scaphoid Nonunion Using a Fifth and Fourth Extensor Compartmental Artery as a Vascularized Pedicle Bone Graft: A Retrospective Case Series.

BACKGROUND Scaphoid nonunion (SN) is a challenging condition in wrist pathology, often resulting in severe consequences if left untreated. Surgical intervention, particularly using vascularized bone grafts (VBGs), is a promising but uncertain approach. The 4+5 extensor compartment artery (ECA) pedicled graft, less commonly used for SN, has potential benefits due to its vascular supply and accessibility to the scaphoid. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the 4+5 ECA pedicled graft combined with headless compression screw fixation in treating avascular necrosis (AVN)-induced proximal pole SN. Radiological results, functional outcomes, and complications related to this method were assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of 19 proximal pole SN cases with AVN treated using the 4+5 ECA-VBG technique from 2016 to 2022. Patients underwent preoperative evaluation and postoperative follow-up for at least 1 year. Data on surgery, demographics, radiological assessments, and functional outcomes were recorded and analyzed statistically. RESULTS All patients achieved radiographic union within 8.5 weeks postoperatively, with revascularization of proximal pole necrosis. Significant improvements in functional outcomes were observed, including pain reduction, increased wrist range of motion, improved grip and pinch strength, and enhanced wrist scores. No major complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS The 4+5 ECA-VBG technique, with headless compression screw fixation, showed high success rates in treating AVN-induced proximal pole SN. This method offers comprehensive restoration of wrist function and minimal complications, making it a viable option for SN management, especially in AVN cases. Further research is needed to confirm these results and establish standardized protocols for SN treatment.

Outcomes after radioscapholunate arthrodesis for intra-articular malunion of distal radius fractures.

PURPOSE: To study the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes after of radioscapholunate (RSL) fusion for intra-articular malunion of the distal radius. METHODS: This retrospective study included 26 patients (17 males and 9 females) with intra-articular malunion of distal radius fractures who underwent RSL arthrodesis using locked miniplates (without distal scaphoid excision) between 2012 and 2020. Their mean age was 43 years (range, 32-56). Patients were assessed radiographically for union and clinically for range of motion, grip strength, and pain (assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain). Functional evaluation was performed by using the Mayo modified wrist score (MMWS) and the Disabilities for the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. RESULTS: All patients showed complete healing at the fusion site after a mean of 8.7 weeks (range, 8-12). The mean follow-up period was 72 months (range, 60-84). The pinch strength improved from a mean of 6.2 kg (range, 3-12) to a mean of 9.8 kg (range, 5-18) which represents 80% of the contralateral side. The mean pinch strength was 7 kg (range, 5-18) which presents 80% of the other side. VAS for pain showed a mean improvement of 72.6%. The DASH score improved to a mean of 19.2 (range, 14-24). The MMWS improved to a mean of 68 (range, 45-86). At the final follow-up period, no degenerative changes were detected in the midcarpal joint. CONCLUSION: RSL arthrodesis (using locked miniplates without distal scaphoid excision) is a reliable surgical procedure to manage cases of radiocarpal OA after intra-articular malunion of distal radius fractures with good clinical and radiological outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV- therapeutic.