Cylinder-Shaped Bone Graft for Scaphoid Nonunion

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Wedge-shaped bone grafts that are internally fixed by a Herbert-type screw are a well-established surgical treatment for scaphoid nonunion. A procedure using cylinder-shaped bone grafts was also reported, but preoperative wrist functions were not assessed. In addition, it was not reported whether the humpback deformity of the scaphoid nonunion was corrected. The purpose of the current study was to compare preoperative wrist functions in cases of scaphoid nonunion with those observed at final follow-up, using cylinder-shaped bone grafts The humpback deformity of the scaphoid nonunion was also evaluated. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study to examine operative outcomes from 2008 to 2015. Twelve wrists in 12 patients (average age, 41 years; range, 17-67), with a mean follow-up of 19 months, were included in the current study. Cylinder-shaped bone grafts were obtained from the iliac crest with a newly designed trephine and fixed with a Herbert-type screw. We reviewed both the preoperative wrist functions and those obtained at final follow-up. RESULTS: Union was achieved in 11 of 12 nonunion cases. Preoperative wrist functions, except for the range of wrist motion, significantly improved by final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the use of cylinder-shaped bone grafts improves preoperative wrist functions in cases of scaphoid nonunion.