Anterior bone grafting and conventional lag screw fixation to treat scaphoid nonunions

J Hand Surg Am. 1990 Jan;15(1):140-7. doi: 10.1016/s0363-5023(09)91122-4.

Abstract

The results of 20 established nonunions of the scaphoid treated with resection of the pseudoarthrosis, anterior cortic-cancellous iliac bone grafting, and conventional lag screw fixation with the ASIF 2.7 mm cortical screw are presented. Union rate was 95% and the average time off work was 8.9 weeks. Review of the relevant literature uniformly shows that the most common reasons for failure are improper internal fixation techniques and/or the absence of bone grafting. Successful treatment of scaphoid nonunions with screw fixation and cast-free after-treatment does not depend on the implant used but rather on careful case selection and precise surgical technique.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bone Screws*
  • Bone Transplantation*
  • Carpal Bones / injuries*
  • Carpal Bones / surgery
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal*
  • Fractures, Ununited / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged