Treatment of nonunion of the scaphoid by a limited combined approach.
Seven patients with nonunion of the scaphoid were treated by a limited approach combining a palmar wedge graft with insertion of a dorsal (retrograde) Herbert screw through small incisions. All patients had palmar bone deficiency and a 'difficult' proximal fragment. They were followed up for a minimum of 12 months (12 to 38). Radiological union was achieved in all. In five patients correction of instability of the dorsal intercalary segment which was present before operation, was achieved. On a wrist-scoring chart, all patients had an excellent or good rating. The limited combined approach allows correction of the deformity with rigid fixation and has the advantage of preserving most of the palmar ligaments.
Private Hand and Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, The Hospital Mutua Montañesa, Santander, Spain.
F
F
del Piñal
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001863:Bone Screws; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D021361:Scaphoid Bone / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery