Abstract
Purpose
Scaphoid non-unions can result in debilitating wrist problems. This study compared treatment of scaphoid non-unions using either a non vascularised (NVBG) or a vascularised bone graft (VBG).
Method
Twenty one cases of scaphoid non-unions were treated by two surgeons between 2005 and 2008 using either a NVBG from the iliac crest or a VBG from the radius based on a 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery pedicle.
Results
Of the 21 cases only 19 were available followed up at a minimum of 3 months with 12 cases available for clinical follow-up 2–5 years postoperatively. Union was achieved in 9 of 11 cases in the VBG group and in 6 of the 8 cases in the NVBG group with no statistically significant difference in average time to union. Wrist range of motion was compared at the time of consolidation and at the follow-up showing no significant difference between the two groups. 11 patients completed the Dash-score and the Mayo-wrist-score with similar results in both groups.
Conclusion
This study could not demonstrate any significant differences in clinical and functional outcome at the time of confirmed fracture union or at a late follow-up.
