Free Vascularized Medial Femoral Condyle Bone Graft for Scaphoid Nonunion with Poor Prognosis Factors

Abstract

Purpose: Authors attempt to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of the treatment of scaphoid nonunion with poor prognostic factors with the free vascularized medial femoral condyle bone graft. Methods: We operated on eight patients with avascular necrosis or prolonged nonunion of the scaphoid between January 2016 and July 2019. Wrist motion in terms of flexion, extension, and ulnar and radial deviation, a visual analogue scale (VAS), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, the modified Mayo wrist score, scapholunate angle, and carpal height index were collected in the clinic setting preoperatively and at the latest follow-up in all patients Results: Eight patients with union achieved correction and maintenance of both scapholunate angle and carpal height index. The VAS pain scores significantly improved from 5.1 preoperatively to 3.3 postoperatively. There was a statistically significant improvement in the average DASH score at the final follow-up. Scapholunate relationships in the reconstructed wrists remained almost unchanged, with average scapholunate angles of 49.7° before surgery and 47.0° at the latest postoperative follow-up. There was no statistical significance between the number of poor prognosis factors and the time to union, but there was a positive correlation.Conclusion: It could help surgeons manage the scaphoid nonunion associated with poor prognostic factors such as avascular necrosis, carpal collapse (posttraumatic arthritis), prolonged nonunion, and failed prior scaphoid nonunion surgery.