Internal fixation of scaphoid nonunion with humpback deformity using iliac graft and volar plate: series of eight cases

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the present article is a clinical and radiographic evaluation of scaphoid nonunion with humpback deformity using an iliac graft and a volar plate. Methods Eight patients were followed-up prospectively, all male, with a mean age of 39.6 years old, with scaphoid waist nonunion, with an average of 19 months of trauma without previous surgery. The patients were treated with a graft removed from the iliac crest and a 1.5mm blocked volar scaphoid plate (Medarthis AG, Basel, Switzerland). The patients were followed-up with radiographic evaluations and computed tomography (CT) scans in the preoperative period and 1month, 3months, 6months and 1 year after the operation. The carpal height and the scaphosemilunar and intrascaphoid angles were measured preoperatively, 3 months, and 1 year postoperatively. The function was assessed preoperatively and repeated 1 year postoperatively using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Patient-relatedWrist Evaluation (PWRE scores), as well as bymeasurement of forceps clamp and wrist and thumb range of motion. Results All cases were consolidated, with an average time of 3.38 months. Two complications were observed: an infection of the iliac surgical wound and a plaque element placed in the scapholunate space. Two patients opted to remove the implant because they had a painful click at maximum wrist flexion. There was improvement in the parameters of wrist and thumb range of motion and pinch strength in all measurements, with statistical significance for the PRWE and the scapholunate angle. Conclusion Although our sample was small, we achieved consolidation in all cases; the complications were expected in the literature and there were improvements in the radiographic patterns, in the functional assessment, and in the pain scale of our patients.