Treatment of scaphoid nonunion with olecranon bone graft and compression screw

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of olecranon bone graft and compression screw for the treatment of nonunion of the Lichtman type I scaphoid. Method: We evaluated 15 patients of 32 who underwent surgical treatment for nonunion of the Lichtman type I scaphoid with olecranon bone graft and screw compression. Results: We obtained 100% consolidation in our sample. The mean flexion of the wrist on the affected side was 68° and 75° on the non-affected side. The average extension was 63° and 72°, respectively. The average grip strength was 35 kgf. This corresponds to 98% of the handgrip strength of the non-affected side, which was 37 kgf. The DASH score averaged 5 points. Conclusion: We believe that the use of bone graft obtained from the olecranon and secured with cannulated screw is a resolute technique for cases of linear nonunion of the Lichtmann type I scaphoid. It has the advantages of a new anesthesia for removal of the graft and the access is easy, providing a good exposure for removal and good aesthetic results.