Percutaneous Fixation without Bone Graft for Scaphoid Nonunion

Abstract Objective To describe the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients submitted to percutaneous fixation without bone graft for scaphoid nonunion, with a minimum follow-up of six months. Methods A case series study of a convenience sample of hand surgeons with prospective evaluation. Patients with scaphoid (waist or proximal pole) nonunion and the following features were included: more than six months of history; X-rays showing sclerosis of the edges of the nonunion, with resorption of the nonunion focus measuring less than 4 mm (Slade & Gleissler I, II, III and IV) and no angular deformity; and no proximal pole necrosis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results After six months of follow-up, all nonunion were consolidated, with no major complications. The functional outcomes revealed good scores on the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH; n = 12; mean: 6.9; standard deviation [SD]: 2.1) and patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE; n = 12; mean: 7.97, SD: 1.5) questionnaires. The results of the visual analog scale (VAS) showed little residual pain (n = 12; mean: 0.71; SD: 0.2). Slight decreases in flexion (69 versus 59.1; p = 0.007), extension (62.4 versus 48.7; p = 0.001) and radial deviation (29.6 versus 24.6; p = 0.014) were detected in comparison to the contralateral side. Conclusions All cases in the series presented consolidation and good functional scores at the six-month evaluation. This is a promising option (with lower technical demand and morbidity) for the treatment of scaphoid nonunion. Comparative studies are required to assess the effectiveness of this technique in comparison with other options.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Belloti,João Carlos, Vasconcelos,Klebson Bruno Lopes, Raduan Neto,Jorge, Okamura,Aldo, Fernandes,Marcela, de Moraes,Vinícius Ynoe
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia 2020
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-36162020000600759
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Summary:Abstract Objective To describe the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients submitted to percutaneous fixation without bone graft for scaphoid nonunion, with a minimum follow-up of six months. Methods A case series study of a convenience sample of hand surgeons with prospective evaluation. Patients with scaphoid (waist or proximal pole) nonunion and the following features were included: more than six months of history; X-rays showing sclerosis of the edges of the nonunion, with resorption of the nonunion focus measuring less than 4 mm (Slade & Gleissler I, II, III and IV) and no angular deformity; and no proximal pole necrosis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results After six months of follow-up, all nonunion were consolidated, with no major complications. The functional outcomes revealed good scores on the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH; n = 12; mean: 6.9; standard deviation [SD]: 2.1) and patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE; n = 12; mean: 7.97, SD: 1.5) questionnaires. The results of the visual analog scale (VAS) showed little residual pain (n = 12; mean: 0.71; SD: 0.2). Slight decreases in flexion (69 versus 59.1; p = 0.007), extension (62.4 versus 48.7; p = 0.001) and radial deviation (29.6 versus 24.6; p = 0.014) were detected in comparison to the contralateral side. Conclusions All cases in the series presented consolidation and good functional scores at the six-month evaluation. This is a promising option (with lower technical demand and morbidity) for the treatment of scaphoid nonunion. Comparative studies are required to assess the effectiveness of this technique in comparison with other options.