title: A modified Matti-Russe technique for the treatment of scaphoid waist non-union and pseudarthrosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term results of a modified Matti-Russe technique for the treatment of scaphoid non-union and pseudarthrosis. The modification was based on the use of bone graft taken from the ipsilateral distal radius, rather than from the iliac crest, as originally described.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 1987 and 2000, 23 consequent male patients with scaphoid waist non-union or pseudarthrosis underwent surgery by a modified Matti-Russe technique. During the 5-year follow-up, patient evaluation was based on radiological findings and the Green and O'Brien scoring system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Anatomy was restored and healing of the non-union was achieved in 21 (91.3%) patients. The other 2 patients failed to achieve union and underwent the same operation a second time, which was successful. According to the Green and O'Brien scoring system, 82.6% (19/23) of patients showed excellent results and 17.4% (4/23) showed good results at 2-year follow-up. At 5-year follow-up, 73.9% of patients (19/23) had excellent results and 26.0% (4/23) had good results. No early post-operative complications developed. Two patients demonstrated mild radiological radio-scaphoid arthritis at 2.5 years postoperatively. All patients returned to previous levels of activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The standard Matti-Russe technique is an old but reliable and inexpensive method for the treatment of long-standing or neglected scaphoid non-unions or pseudarthroses. The modification of this established method, based on use of the distal radius as a donor site, reduces operative time, can be performed through a single approach, does not show donor site morbidity, and allows the use of regional anaesthesia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Aristidis B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Zoubos
authors.forename: Ioannis K
authors.initials: IK
authors.lastname: Triantafyllopoulos
authors.forename: George C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Babis
authors.forename: Panayiotis N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Soucacos
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011542:Pseudarthrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D021361:Scaphoid Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult