title: Scaphoid nonunion treated with vascularised bone graft from dorsal radius.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The main aim of this retrospective study was to present our experience on scaphoid nonunion treated with vascularised bone graft.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2006 and 2012, 58 patients presenting with symptomatic scaphoid nonunion were eligible to participate in this study. Topography of the nonunion included 29 proximal, 25 waist and 4 distal scaphoid nonunions. Vascularised bone graft from distal dorsal radius was used in all cases which were stabilised with the headless cannulated compression screws. Scapholunate angles, Natrass carpal height ratio were evaluated pre and postoperatively. Range of motion of the affected side was compared to that of the contralateral side after the surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Radiographic union was achieved in 50, out of 58 cases with an average time of 9.9 weeks (range, 6-18 weeks). Out of all the non-united cases, four of them were in proximal, three in the waist and one was in distal scaphoid. In nine proximal nonunions treated by 4+5 ECA graft all but one were united. The mean follow up was 21.7 months (12-62 months). The flexion was 91.6%, the extension was 91.5%, the radial deviation was 81.2%, and the ulnar deviation was 89.5% compared to the other side. The grip strength was 93%. Preoperative DASH score was 61.5 diminishing to 28.7 postoperatively. There was no significant change in Natrass carpal height ratio but a slight improvement occurred in scapholunate angles both pre and postoperatively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vascularised bone graft is a good solution for scaphoid nonunion to enhance the healing rate especially in the presence of avascular necrosis. Proximal pole nonunions, humpback deformity and smoking are important negative factors for scaphoid nonunion despite the use of a vascularised bone graft. A trapezoidal wedge graft is necessary for the volar type nonunions with humpback deformity. 1,2 ICSRA offer an advantage with its proximity to scaphoid in all nonunion locations. Nonetheless, 4+5 ECA graft is also a good solution for proximal nonunions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hand Surgery Division, Celal Bayar University Hospital, Manisa, Turkey. Electronic address: tackino@yahoo.fr.
authors.forename: Taçkın
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Özalp
authors.affiliation: Nevşehir State Hospital, Nevşehir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Çağlar
authors.initials: Ç
authors.lastname: Öz
authors.affiliation: Tunceli State Hospital, Tunceli, Turkey.
authors.forename: Gürler
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kale
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Celal Bayar University Hospital, Manisa, Turkey.
authors.forename: Serkan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Erkan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011884:Radius / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D021361:Scaphoid Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: Pedicled bone graft; Scaphoid nonunion; Scaphoid pseudoarthrosis; Vascularised bone graft; Wrist instability