Recalcitrant non-union of the scaphoid treated with a vascularized bone graft based on the ulnar artery

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1990 Jan;72(1):88-97.

Abstract

Eight patients who had a recurrent pseudarthrosis of the carpal scaphoid were treated by a bone graft from the ulna, vascularized by an ulnar-artery pedicle. The graft was taken from the medial aspect of the distal third of the ulna and inserted into the prepared scaphoid. This technique is advocated only for complex recalcitrant non-union. All of our patients had previously had at least two operations, one of which was conventional non-vascularized bone-grafting. In all eight patients, primary osseous union occurred in an average of 4.6 months; all were able to resume their previous occupational or athletic activities.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Transplantation / methods*
  • Bone and Bones / blood supply
  • Carpal Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Carpal Bones / injuries
  • Carpal Bones / surgery*
  • Fractures, Ununited / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pseudarthrosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Pseudarthrosis / surgery*
  • Radiography
  • Recurrence
  • Wound Healing