The Herbert screw for fractures of the scaphoid. A review of results and technical difficulties.
We have reviewed 22 patients with scaphoid fractures treated by internal fixation with the Herbert screw. Three patients had trans-scaphoid perilunar dislocations, one had an oblique displaced fracture of the waist of the scaphoid and 18 had fractures with delayed or non-union. Corticocancellous bone grafts were added in nine of the cases of non-union. Results were excellent or good in 80% of cases after a mean duration of postoperative immobilisation of four weeks. The technical difficulties are analysed and the problems of applying the jig and of operative exposure are discussed.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001863:Bone Screws; D002348:Carpal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography