Treatment of Scaphoid Nonunions with Autogenous Cancellous Bone Grafting Combined with Threaded K-wire Fixation

Abstract

Purpose:To evaluate the results of surgical treatment of autogenous cancellous bone grafting combined with threaded K-wire fixation for scaphoid nonunions. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the 13 patients with scaphoid nonunion, which was follow up at least 12 months from March 1999 to June 2003. According to the Mayo classification, two cases were type P (proximal third), eight cases were type W (waist) and three cases were type D (distal third). According to the Rüsse classification, eight cases showed horizontal oblique type, another two cases were transverse, and last three belonged to vertical oblique type. We assessed the radiologic bony union, correction of humpback deformity and lateral intrascaphoid angle and degenerative change of radioscaphoid joint, clinical results were evaluated using assessment of Maudsley. Results: Radiologic union was obtained in all cases, mean time of union was 15.4 weeks (13~17.4 weeks), and there was no radiological evidence of postoperative humpback deformity, intercarpal instability, proximal osteonecrosis and degenerative changes. According to assessment of Maudsley, there were 7 excellent cases, 4 good cases, 1 fair case and 1 poor case among these 13 cases. The final clinical results were 11 excellent cases, 2 good case in the aspect of wrist pain and tenderness. All range of motion was satisfactory to patients except 4 cases (3 fair, 1 poor) and every patients could return to work except 1 poor case. Conclusion:The surgical treatment using a autogenous cancellous bone grafting combined with threaded K-wire fixation for scaphoid nonunion was a relatively straightforward technique, which provides simplicity, and high union rate.