Aims. There is ambiguity surrounding the degree of scaphoid union required to safely allow mobilization following scaphoid waist fracture. Premature mobilization could lead to refracture, but late mobilization may cause stiffness and delay return to normal function. This study aims to explore the risk of refracture at different stages of scaphoid waist fracture union in three common fracture patterns, using a novel finite element method. Methods. The most common anatomical variant of the scaphoid was modelled from a CT scan of a healthy hand and wrist using 3D Slicer freeware. This model was uploaded into COMSOL Multiphysics software to enable the application of physiological enhancements. Three common waist fracture patterns were produced following the Russe classification. Each fracture had differing stages of healing, ranging from 10% to 90% partial union, with increments of 10% union assessed. A physiological force of 100 N acting on the distal pole was applied, with the risk of refracture assessed using the Von Mises stress. Results. Overall, 90% to 30% fracture unions demonstrated a small, gradual increase in the Von Mises stress of all fracture patterns (16.0 MPa to 240.5 MPa). All fracture patterns showed a greater increase in Von Mises stress from 30% to 10% partial union (680.8 MPa to 6,288.6 MPa). Conclusion. Previous studies have suggested 25%, 50%, and 75% partial union as sufficient for resuming hand and wrist mobilization. This study shows that 30% union is sufficient to return to normal hand and wrist function in all three fracture patterns. Both 50% and 75% union are unnecessary and increase the risk of post-fracture stiffness. This study has also demonstrated the feasibility of finite element analysis (FEA) in scaphoid waist fracture research. FEA is a sustainable method which does not require the use of finite scaphoid cadavers, hence increasing accessibility into future scaphoid waist fracture-related research. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(8):612–620

Aims. The evidence demonstrating the superiority of early MRI has led to increased use of MRI in clinical pathways for acute wrist trauma. The aim of this study was to describe the radiological characteristics and the inter-observer reliability of a new MRI based classification system for scaphoid injuries in a consecutive series of patients. Methods. We identified 80 consecutive patients with acute scaphoid injuries at one centre who had presented within four weeks of injury. The radiographs and MRI scans were assessed by four observers, two radiologists, and two hand surgeons, using both pre-existing classifications and a new MRI based classification tool, the Oxford Scaphoid MRI Assessment Rating Tool (OxSMART). The OxSMART was used to categorize scaphoid injuries into three grades: contusion (grade 1); unicortical fracture (grade 2); and complete bicortical fracture (grade 3). Results. In total there were 13 grade 1 injuries, 11 grade 2 injuries, and 56 grade 3 injuries in the 80 consecutive patients. The inter-observer reliability of the OxSMART was substantial (Kappa = 0.711). The inter-observer reliability of detecting an obvious fracture was moderate for radiographs (Kappa = 0.436) and MRI (Kappa = 0.543). Only 52% (29 of 56) of the grade 3 injuries were detected on plain radiographs. There were two complications of delayed union, both of which occurred in patients with grade 3 injuries, who were promptly treated with cast immobilization. There were no complications in the patients with grade 1 and 2 injuries and the majority of these patients were treated with early mobilization as pain allowed. Conclusion. This MRI based classification tool, the OxSMART, is reliable and clinically useful in managing patients with acute scaphoid injuries. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):913–920

Aims. To determine the role of early MRI in the management of suspected scaphoid fractures. Methods. A total of 337 consecutive patients presenting to an emergency department (ED) following wrist trauma over a 12-month period were prospectively included in this service evaluation project. MRI was not required in 62 patients with clear diagnoses, and 17 patients were not managed as per pathway, leaving a total of 258 patients with normal scaphoid series radiographs who were then referred directly from ED for an acute wrist MRI scan. Patient demographics, clinical details, outcomes, and complications were recorded at a minimum of a year following injury. Results. The median time from injury to ED presentation was one day and the median number of positive clinical signs was two out of three (snuffbox tenderness, tubercle tenderness, pain on telescoping). Of 258 patients referred for acute MRI, 208 scans were performed as 50 patients either did not tolerate (five patients) or did not attend their scan (45 patients). MRI scans demonstrated scaphoid fracture (13%), fracture of another bone (22%), scaphoid contusion (6%), other contusion/ligamentous injury (20%), or solely degenerative pathology (10%). Only 29% of scans showed no abnormality. Almost 50% of those undergoing MRI (100 patients) were discharged by ED with advice, with only one re-presentation. Of the 27 undisplaced occult scaphoid fractures, despite prompt cast immobilization, two experienced delayed union which was successfully treated with surgery. Conclusion. The use of MRI direct from ED enables prompt diagnosis and the early discharge of a large proportion of patients with normal radiographs following wrist trauma. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(6):447–453

Scaphoid non-union results the typical humpback deformity, pronation of the distal fragment, and a bone defect in the non-union site with shortening. Bone grafting, whether open or arthroscopic, relies on fluoroscopic and direct visual assessment of reduction. However, because of the bone defect and irregular geometry, it is difficult to determine the precise width of the bone gap and restore the original bone length, and to correct interfragmentary rotation. Correction of alignment can be performed by computer-assisted planning and intraoperative guidance. The use of computer navigation in guiding reduction in scaphoid non-unions and displaced fractures has not been reported. Objective. We propose a method of anatomical reconstruction in scaphoid non-union by computer-assisted preoperative planning combined with intraoperative computer navigation. This could be done in conjunction with a minimally invasive, arthroscopic bone grafting technique. Methods. A model consisting of a scaphoid bone with a simulated fracture, a forearm model, and an attached patient tracker was used. 2 titanium K-wires were inserted into the distal scaphoid fragment. 3D images were acquired and matched to those from a computed tomography (CT) scan. In an image processing software, the non-union was reduced and pin tracts were planned into the proximal fragment. The K-wires were driven into the proximal fragment under computer navigation. Reduction was assessed by direct measurement. These steps were repeated in a cadaveric upper limb. A scaphoid fracture was created and a patient tracker was inserted into the radial shaft. A post-fixation CT was obtained to assess reduction. Results and Discussion. In both models, satisfactory alignment was obtained. There were minimal displacement and articular stepping, and scaphoid length was restored with less than 1mm discrepancy. This study demonstrated that an accurate reduction of the scaphoid in non-unions and displaced fractures can be accurately performed using computed navigation and computer-assisted planning. It is the first report on the use of computer navigation in correction of alignment in the wrist

Aims. To explore individuals’ experience of a scaphoid waist fracture and its subsequent treatment. Methods. A purposive sample was created, consisting of 49 participants in the Scaphoid Waist Internal Fixation for Fractures Trial of initial surgery compared with plaster cast treatment for fractures of the scaphoid waist. The majority of participants were male (35/49) and more younger participants (28/49 aged under 30 years) were included. Participants were interviewed six weeks or 52 weeks post-recruitment to the trial, or at both timepoints. Interviews were semistructured and analyzed inductively to generate cross-cutting themes that typify experience of the injury and views upon the treatment options. Results. Data show that individual circumstances might exaggerate or mitigate the limitations associated with a scaphoid fracture, and that an individual’s sense of recovery is subjective and more closely aligned with perceived functional abilities than it is with bone union. Misconceptions that surgery promises a speedier and more secure form of recovery means that some individuals, whose circumstances prescribe a need for quick return to function, express a preference for this treatment modality. Clinical consultations need to negotiate the imperfect relationship between bone union, normal function, and an individual’s sense of recovery. Enhancing patients’ perceptions of regaining function, with removable splints and encouraging home exercise, will support satisfaction with care and discourage premature risk-taking. Conclusion. Clinical decision-making in the management of scaphoid fractures should recognize that personal circumstances will influence how functional limitations are experienced. It should also recognize that function overrides a concern for bone union, and that the consequences of fractures are poorly understood. Where possible, clinicians should reinforce in individuals a sense that they are making progress in their recovery. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(8):641–647

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is gaining popularity for the evaluation of acute wrist injuries, but findings may be confusing with uncertain clinical significance. The presence of bone marrow oedema but no fracture following trauma has been described in the knee and referred to as a bone bruise. The clinical implications of similar findings in the scaphoid have not been described. This study aims to describe the clinical and radiological findings of an acute wrist injury known as the scaphoid bone bruise. An MRI classification is proposed, and the outcome described. Between April 2000 and October 2004 all patients who underwent MRI scanning following an acute injury for suspected scaphoid fracture were considered for this study. The scaphoid bone bruise was treated with a degree of caution and the injured limb placed in a below elbow cast for six weeks. Review was arranged at three months when, if symptomatic, a further MRI was performed. A descriptive grading system depending on the extent of the bone bruise was developed. 41 patients were included in the study. At three months 26 were asymptomatic. Seven defaulted from follow-up. Eight patients were still symptomatic and underwent further MRI scan. The bone bruise was classified into four grades according to the degree of oedema found on MRI. Seven patients were grade 1, 18 patients were grade 2, 11 grade 3, and the remaining five grade 4. Of the eight patients who underwent repeat MRI scanning all showed improvement of the bone bruise. At six months only 2 patients remained symptomatic. While healing around the knee is seldom a problem, the possibility that scaphoid bone bruise may be a precursor to scaphoid non-union needs to be excluded. This study suggests that scaphoid bone bruise is a benign injury with predictable recovery over time and is unlikely to result in long-term morbidity in the form of non-union. It may be feasible to mobilise these injuries much sooner. However, further study with longer follow-up and repeat MRI scans is necessary to be confident that caution about these injuries is unnecessary

Aims. Occult (clinical) injuries represent 15% of all scaphoid fractures, posing significant challenges to the clinician. MRI has been suggested as the gold standard for diagnosis, but remains expensive, time-consuming, and is in high demand. Conventional management with immobilization and serial radiography typically results in multiple follow-up attendances to clinic, radiation exposure, and delays return to work. Suboptimal management can result in significant disability and, frequently, litigation. Methods. We present a service evaluation report following the introduction of a quality-improvement themed, streamlined, clinical scaphoid pathway. Patients are offered a removable wrist splint with verbal and written instructions to remove it two weeks following injury, for self-assessment. The persistence of pain is the patient’s guide to ‘opt-in’ and to self-refer for a follow-up appointment with a senior emergency physician. On confirmation of ongoing signs of clinical scaphoid injury, an urgent outpatient ‘fast’-wrist protocol MRI scan is ordered, with instructions to maintain wrist immobilization. Patients with positive scan results are referred for specialist orthopaedic assessment via a virtual fracture clinic. Results. From February 2018 to January 2019, there were 442 patients diagnosed as clinical scaphoid fractures. 122 patients (28%) self-referred back to the emergency department at two weeks. Following clinical review, 53 patients were discharged; MRI was booked for 69 patients (16%). Overall, six patients (< 2% of total; 10% of those scanned) had positive scans for a scaphoid fracture. There were no known missed fractures, long-term non-unions or malunions resulting from this pathway. Costs were saved by avoiding face-to-face clinical review and MRI scanning. Conclusion. A patient-focused opt-in approach is safe and effective to managing the suspected occult (clinical) scaphoid fracture. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(2):117–122

To determine the biomechanical effect of increasing scaphoid malunion and scaphoid non-union on carpal kinematics during dynamic wrist motion using an active wrist motion simulator. Seven cadaveric upper extremities underwent active wrist flexion and extension in a custom motion wrist simulator with scaphoid kinematics being captured with respect to the distal radius. A three-stage protocol of progressive simulated malunion severity was performed (intact, 10° malunion, 20° malunion) with data analyzed from 45° wrist flexion to 45° wrist extension. Scaphoid malunions were modelled by creating successive volar wedge osteotomies and fixating the resultant scaphoid fragments with 0.062 Kirshner wires. At the completion of malunion motion trials, a scaphoid non-union trial was carried out by removing surgical fixation to observe motion differences from the malunion trials. Motion of the scaphoid, lunate, capitate, and trapezium-trapezoid was recorded and analyzed using active optical trackers. Increasing scaphoid malunion severity did not significantly affect scaphoid or trapezium-trapezoid motion (p>0.05); however, it did significantly alter lunate motion (p<0.001). Increasing malunion severity resulted in progressive lunate extension across wrist motion (Intact – Mal 10: mean dif. = 7.1° ± 1.6, p<0.05; Intact – Mal 20: mean dif. = 10.2° ± 2.0, p<0.05;) although this change was not as great as the difference seen during non-union trials (native – non-union: mean dif. = 13.8° ± 3.7, p<0.05). In this in-vitro model, increasing scaphoid malunion severity was associated with progressive extension of the lunate in all wrist positions. The clinical significance of this motion change is yet to be elucidated, but this model serves as a basis for understanding the kinematic consequences of scaphoid malunion deformities

Abstract. Background. Scaphoid non-union can result in pain, altered wrist kinematics leading to a Scaphoid Non-union Advance Collapse, ultimately to symptomatic radio-carpal arthritis. Open techniques have their limitations. We describe the rationale, surgical technique and outcomes of our series of arthroscopic bone-grafting (ABG) and fixation of scaphoid non-union. Methods. We performed a prospective single-surgeon series of 22 consecutive patients with clinico-radiologically established scaphoid non-union between March 2015 and April 2019. Data was collected from Electronic Patient Records, Patient Archived Computer system (PACS) and hand therapy assessments. We collected demographic data including age, hand-dominance, occupation and mechanism of injury. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (Quick DASH), Mayo wrist score, Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) and grip-strength measurements were collected preoperatively and at follow-up appointments. Results. There was an improvement in all outcome measures when comparing preoperative and postoperative results. The Quick DASH score improved by a mean of 24 points, Mayo wrist and PRWE scores improved by 15.1 and 29.7 points, respectively. Grip-strength analysis also improved by 6.1 kgf (Right) and 3.3kgf (Left). Follow-up computerised tomography scans revealed union in 18/22 patients with 2 patients lost to follow-up. One patient required revision ABG procedure to achieve union. Conclusion. Arthroscopic bone grafting and fixation of scaphoid non-union allows a minimally invasive method of managing these injuries. It has advantages of minimal morbidity and accurate articular reduction resulting in less postoperative stiffness and increased functional outcomes. It is an effective alternative to conventional open treatment of established scaphoid non-union

Scaphoid fractures are a common injury accounting for more than 58% of all carpal bone fractures(1,2). Biomechanical studies have suggested that scaphoid mal-union may lead to altered carpal contact mechanics causing decreased motion, pain and arthritis(1,2). The severity of mal-union required to cause deleterious effects has yet to be established. This limits the ability to define surgical indications or impacts on prevention of posttraumatic arthritis. Computed tomography has been shown to be a useful in determining the 3D implications of altered bony alignment on the joint contact mechanics of surrounding joints. The objective of this study was to report mid-term follow-up image-based outcomes of patients with scaphoid mal-unions to determine the extent to which arthritic changes and decreased joint space is present after a minimum of 4 years following fracture. Participants (n=14) who had previously presented with a mal-united scaphoid fracture (indicated by a Height:Length Ratio >0.6) between November 2005 and November 2013 were identified and contacted. A short-arm thumb spica case was used to treat X patients and X required surgical management. Baseline and follow-up CT images, were performed with the wrist in radial deviation and positioned such that the long axis of the scaphoid was perpendicular to the axis of the scanner. Three-dimensional inter-bone distance (joint space), a measure of joint congruency and 3D alignment, was quantified from reconstructed CT bone models of the distal radius, scaphoid, lunate, capitate, trapezium and trapezoid from both the baseline and follow-up scans(3). Repeated measures ANOVA was used to detect differences in contact area (mm2) between baseline and follow-up CT's for the radioscaphoid, scaphocapitate and scaphotrapezium-trapezoid joint. The average age of participants was 43.1 years (16–64 years old). There was significant loss of joint space, indicated by a greater joint contact area 3–4 years post fracture, between baseline and follow-up reconstruction models, at the scaphocapitate (mean difference: 21.5±146mm2, p=0.007) and scaphotrapezoid joints (mean difference: 18.4 ±28.6mm2, 0.042). Significant differences in the measured contact area was not found for the radioscaphoid (0.153) and scaphotrapezium joints (0.72). Additionally, the scaphoid, qualitatively, appears to track in the vorsal direction in the majority of patients following fracture. Increased joint contact area in the scaphocapitate and scaphotrapezoid joint 3–4 years following fracture results from decreased 3D joint space and overall narrowing. Joint space narrowing, while not significantly different for all joints examined, was reduced for all joints surrounding the scaphoid. Decreased joint space and increased contact area detectable within this short interval might be suggestive of a trajectory for developing arthritis in the longer term, and illustrates the potential value of these measures for early detection. Longer term follow-up and correlation to clinical outcomes are needed to determine the importance of early joint space narrowing, and to identify those most at risk

Objective. Delayed radiographs are routinely done to help in diagnosis of occult scaphoid fractures. Our aim was to determine the diagnostic value of these late x-rays. Methods. This is a radio-diagnostic study. We prospectively reviewed radiographs of 67 patients with injury to their wrists who presented with anatomical snuff box to the accident and emergency department.5 patients showed up a fracture of the scaphoid on trauma x-rays and they were excluded from the study. All patients had a radiograph on day of presentation as well as a delayed radiograph at a later date. The radiographs were standardized to include 4 scaphoid views. All the radiographs were reported independently by a consultant radiologist (JN) and a consultant orthopaedic surgeon (ML). Results. 62 radiographs of 42 males and 20 females with an average age of 25.91 were examined. The two sequential radiographs were taken at an average delay of 10.23 days. There was no difference of opinion between the radiologist and the orthopaedic surgeon with regards to reporting. Only one of the late radiographs showed up a fracture of the proximal pole. Rest of the x-rays failed to detect any bony injury. Conclusion. If a fracture is not visible on first day it is difficult to visualize the fracture in delayed x-rays and a strong clinical suspicion should be supplemented with a more specific investigation like a bone scan or MRI scan. We present our data with an up to date review of literature

Introduction. Surgeons fixing scaphoid fractures need to be familiar with its morphological variations and their implications on safe screw placement during fixation of these fractures. Literature has limited data in this regard. The purpose of this CT-based study was to investigate scaphoid morphometry and to analyse the safe trajectories of screw placement in scaphoid. Methods. We measured the coronal and Sagittal widths of scaphoid in CT-scans of 60 patients using CT based data from 50 live subjects with intact scaphoid. Safe placements for screws with diameters of 1.7mm, 2.4mm, 3.5mm and 4mm were studied using trajectories with additional 2mm safety corridor. Results. The mean width of proximal segment in coronal and sagittal plane were 6.39mm (4.5–8.7) and 11.44mm (8.4–14.1) respectively. For the waist region, the mean coronal, sagittal width were 8.03mm (6.3–10.2mm) and 9.02mm (7–11.4mm) respectively. For distal segment, the mean coronal and sagittal width were 10.58mm (8.2–14.6mm) and the 9.59mm (7.3–11.9mm) respectively. The coronal and sagittal widths were significantly different from each other in all three zones. All scaphoid were capable of safely containing single 4mm screw and two parallel 1.7mm screws. Conclusion. Our study shows that there is considerable variation in scaphoid morphometry. Among the parameters, the waist region measurements show the least variation. The screw lengths do not always correlate to the overall longitudinal extent of scaphoid and can be planned preoperatively using CT-scans. Surgeons treating these fractures should opt for a CT-based analysis regarding the screw direction and length and need to be familiar with the variations in scaphoid morphometry

Introduction and Objective. Scaphoid waist fractures (SWF) are notable in upper limb trauma and predominantly occur in young men. Morbidities associated with SWF include fracture non-union, premature arthritis and humpback deformity. Delayed treatment and non-adherence to fracture immobilisation increases likelihood of these complications. There is evidence that men engage in negative health behaviours such as delayed help-seeking. The Scaphoid Waist Internal Fixation for Fractures Trial (SWIFFT) conducted interviews in individuals who had sustained a SWF. Although SWIFFT showed multiple social determinants for the overall injury and healing experience, a key factor this novel study considers is age and sex. This study aimed to analyse interview data from young male participants in SWIFFT to help distinguish the experience of SWF in young men, through exploring the influence of masculinity. Materials and Methods. A purposive sample of 12 young male participants were selected from SWIFFT. These participants were enrolled from a possibility of 13 different centres across Britain. There were 17 semi-structured interviews produced from these participants, and this was thought to be sufficient for data saturation. These interviews were evaluated through deductive thematic analysis with an open-coding approach, with respondents’ experiences being compared against themes documented in men's health literature. The “Braun and Clarke (2006) Six Phases of Thematic Analysis” methodology was adopted to perform this. Results. There were three thematic models developed in the data set, which then were further divided into subthemes. Model 1: Negative Health Behaviour Prior to Treatment, model 2: Feeling Frail and model 3: Need for Speed. Model 1 corroborated that participants were inclined to sustain the injury as a result of risk-taking and would subsequently hesitate to seek treatment. Model 2 indicated that as a result of the injury, respondents were unable to engage in physical activities and activities of daily living. Respondents exercised caution to varying extents after sustaining a SWF. Model 3 highlighted that interviewees were prone to non-adherence with fracture immobilisation and in hindsight resumed employment prematurely. Conclusions. The findings of this study demonstrate that masculinity is significantly influential on the experience of SWF in young men. This was indicated through the results of thematic analysis strongly corresponding with behaviours established in men's health literature. Educational interventions could be of value in addressing behaviours observed in this population group, such as delayed help-seeking and non-compliance with fracture immobilisation. Further work in patient education and concordance with treatment after sustaining a SWF may be beneficial to longer term outcomes. In turn, this may reduce complications associated with SWF in young men

This study describes the introduction of a virtual pathway for the management of suspected scaphoid fractures and reports patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and satisfaction following treatment with this service. All adult patients that presented with a clinically suspected scaphoid fracture that was not visible on presentation radiographs over a one-year period were eligible for inclusion in the pathway. Demographics, examination findings, clinical scaphoid score (CSS) and standard four view radiographs were collected at presentation. All radiographs were reviewed virtually by a single consultant hand surgeon, with patient-initiated follow-up on request. PROMs were assessed at a minimum of one year post presentation and included the QuickDASH, EQ-5D-5L, the Net Promoter Score (NPS) and return to work. There were 221 patients referred to the virtual pathway. The mean age was 41 (range 16–87; SD 18.4 years) and there were 99 men (45%). There were 189 (86%) patients discharged with advice and 19 (9%) patients were recalled for clinical review (seven undisplaced scaphoid fractures, six other acute fractures of the hand or wrist, two scapholunate ligament injuries, and four cases where no abnormality was detected). Thirteen patients (6%) initiated follow-up with the hand service; no fracture or ligament injury was identified within this group. PROMs were available for 179 (81%) patients at a mean of 19 months follow-up (range: 13 – 33 months). The median QuickDASH score was 2.3 (IQR, 0–15.9), the median EQ-5D-5L was 0.85 (IQR, 0.73–1.00), the NPS was 76, and 173 (97%) patients were satisfied with their treatment. There were no documented cases of symptomatic non-union one year following injury. This study reports the introduction of a virtual pathway for suspected scaphoid fractures, demonstrating high levels of patient satisfaction, excellent PROMs, and no detrimental effects in the vast majority of cases

Bone bruising of the scaphoid is a common term reported, when MRI imaging is carried out for continued pain, within the anatomical snuff box. Is this significant? Our aim was to ascertain if bone bruising lead to continued symptoms, and resulted in delayed fracture detection- an occult fracture. This was a prospective study looking at 170 patients with scaphoid injuries. Of the 170 scaphoid injuries identified there were 120 scaphoid fractures seen on scaphoid view radiographs. The remaining 50 had no fracture on radiographs, however were clinically symptomatic and had MRI scaphoid imaging which demonstrated various grades of bone bruising. All were treated in a scaphoid plaster and re-examined at 8 weeks. There 4 were patients that remained symptomatic, MRI scan were performed which revealed 3 with resolving scaphoid bone bruising and 1 with a scaphoid fracture (p-value=0.05). Two further weeks of immobilisation resolved the symptoms of those 4 patients. Therefore occult scaphoid fractures demonstrating only bone bruising may take up to 8 weeks to declare itself as a fracture. Immobilisation in a scaphoid cast should be the mainstay of treatment for a minimum period of 8 weeks

Introduction: About 5–12 percent of scaphoid fractures are associated with other fractures, and approximately 1 percent of scaphoid fractures are bilateral. Materials and Methods: Three hundred fifty patients sought treatment for established scaphoid non-union at the author’s department. All patients routinely underwent plain radiographs, taken with both hands in neutral position for preoperative measurement of scapholunate angle and scaphoid length. Unexpectedly however, radiological examination revealed a bilateral scaphoid Herbert type D2 pseudoarthrosis (24 waist) in 12 patients (5 females, 7 males with mean age 25 years, range 14 to 48). No patient was aware of the mechanism of controlateral injury or had previously complained of controlateral wrist pain. All patients received treatment for both sides. The scaphoid was exposed through a volar approach. The fracture was anatomically reduced and fixed with a Herbert screw. Iliac bone graft was used. Mean follow-up was 43 months (range, 25 to 68) using the modified Mayo wrist score. Results: Fracture union was confirmed both clinically and radiographically and union rates were 96 percent. Mean union time was 7 months (range 4 to 12 months). Non-union occurred in 1 patient. According to the Mayo wrist score, excellent results were achieved in 17 cases, good in 6 and poor in 1. Conclusion: Bilateral scaphoid pseudoarthrosis has a very rare incidence, and experience showed us that patients do not always complain of both sides. Routine pre-operative evaluation at our institution includes a set of comparative plain radiographs of the wrists and we strongly recommend this policy to avoid missing bilateral injuries

Background. Despite the known multifactorial nature of scaphoid wrist fracture non-union, a possible genetic predisposition for the development of this complication remains unknown. This pilot study aimed to address this issue by performing Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) analysis of specific genes known to regulate fracture healing. Materials and Methods. We reviewed 120 patients in a retrospective case-control study from the Hand Surgery Department of Asepeyo Hospital. The case group comprised 60 patients with confirmed scaphoid wrist non-union, diagnosed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT). The control group comprised 60 patients with scaphoid fracture and complete bone consolidation. Sampling was carried out with a puncture of a finger pad using a sterile, single-use lancet. SNPs were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific, unique probes with the analysis of the melting temperature of hybrids. The X2 test compared genotypes between groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysed the significance of many covariates and the incidence of scaphoid wrist non-union. Results. We found significant differences in subjects who had a smoking habit (p=0.001), high blood pressure (p<0.001), and surgical treatment (p=0.002) in patients with scaphoid non-union. There were more Caucasians (p=0.04) and males (p=0.001) in the case group. Falls were the main mechanism of fracture. The CC genotype in GDF5 (rs143383) was more frequent in patients with scaphoid non-union compared to the controls (p=0.02). CT was prevalent in the controls (p=0.02). T allele in GDF5 was more frequent in patients without non-union (p=0.001). Conclusions. Individuals who were carriers of the CC genotype in GDF5 showed higher susceptibility to suffering scaphoid wrist non-union. Furthermore, being a carrier of CT and T allele suggests that this could be behave as a protection factor against non-union. This is the first clinical study to investigate the potential existence of genetic susceptibility to scaphoid wrist fracture non-union. Level of evidence. Level III, Cross Sectional Study, Epidemiology Study

Scaphoid non-union usually requires surgical treatment in form of reconstructive or salvage procedure. Imaging helps in planning the surgical procedure. Wrist arthroscopy may also be helpful in the pre-operative assessment. This study was conducted to find the usefulness of wrist arthroscopy in formulating a management plan to treat scaphoid non-union. We prospectively studied 17 patients of scaphoid non-unions by wrist arthroscopy. Non-union was assessed; and site and extent of any articular wear if present was noted. Some patients had additional procedures such as synovial debridement, removal of loose bodies or debridement of TFC tears. It was possible to formulate the further management plan at the same time. Our study included 14 men and 3 women with a mean age of 34.5 years (range 18 to 49). Arthroscopic findings included mild radiocarpal wear in 3 cases and severe articular wear in 1. Additionally, in two thirds of cases there was some degree of wear present over the radial styloid region. 6 cases had TFCC tears. 4 patients had synovial debridement and in 5 cases loose bodies were removed. Based on the arthroscopic findings, it was decided to proceed to a reconstructive procedure in 12 cases and a salvage procedure in remaining 5. We concluded that in scaphoid non-unions:. Articular surface wear is often less than suggested by imaging. Limited wear is often present at radial styloid area which could be debrided. Associate abnormalities such as loose bodies, synovitis and TFC tears are commonly present. State of union can not be accurately assessed due to presence of fibrocartilage at the non-union site

Purpose. Primary internal fixation of uncomplicated scaphoid fractures offers many advantages compared to conventional casting. However, ideal fixation placement along the central scaphoid axis can be challenging, especially if the procedure is performed percutaneously. Because of the lack of direct visualization, percutaneous procedures demand liberal use of imaging, thereby increasing exposure to harmful radiation. It has been demonstrated that computer-assisted navigation can improve the accuracy of guidewire placement and reduce X-ray exposure in procedures such as hip fracture fixation. Adapting the conventional computer-assist paradigm, with preoperative imaging and intraoperative registration, to scaphoid fixation is not straightforward, and thus a novel tactic must be conceived. Method. Our navigation procedure made use of a flatpanel C-arm (Innova, GE Healthcare) to obtain a 3D cone-beam CT (CBCT) scan of the wrist from which volumetrically-rendered images were created. The relationship between the Innova imager and an optical tracking system (OptoTrak Certus, Northern Digital Inc.) was calibrated preoperatively so that an intraoperatively-acquired image could be used for real-time navigation. Optical markers fitted to a drill guide were used to track its orientation, which was displayed on a computer monitor relative to the wrist images for navigation. Randomized trials were conducted comparing our 3D navigated technique to two alternatives: one using a standard portable C-arm, and the other using the Innova flatpanel C-arm with 2D views and image intensification. A model forearm with an exchangeable scaphoid was constructed to provide consistency between the trials. The surgical objective was to insert a K-wire along the central axis of a model scaphoid. An exposure meter placed adjacent to the wrist model was used to record X-ray exposure. Procedure time and drill passes were also noted. CT scans of the drilled scaphoids were used to determine the shortest distance from the drill path to the scaphoid surface. Results. The closest distance from the drill path to the scaphoid surface was significantly larger using navigation compared to the 2D Innova method (p<0.05). Fewer drill passes were required using navigation compared to a conventional C-arm (p<0.01). Navigated procedures were significantly longer, although the overall time remained clinically acceptable (∼4min). There was no significant difference in radiation exposure to the patient between the three methods. The 3D CBCT image was acquired remotely in the navigated approach, so conceivably the exposure to the surgeon was much less than the other techniques. Conclusion. Computer-assisted navigation was successfully adapted to percutaneous scaphoid fixation without requiring the tedious preoperative imaging and intraoperative registration that typically plague these procedures. Navigation resulted in superior central screw placement with fewer drilling attempts in comparison to conventional techniques

378 patients have been studied since 1988 when we started the investigation of scaphoid fractures and pseudarthrosis. 306 patients were scaphoid pseudarthrosis and 72 scaphoid fractures or control of fracture healing. This study consists of 3 groups:. Group l: 72 patients with acute injury of the carpus are examined radiographically and no scaphoid fracture was observed. A scaphoid cast is applied in these patients for 10 days. In follow up, the cast is removed and new comparative radiologic examination is performed. In 30 of these patients a scaphoid fracture was observed and the limb was inmmobilized in a scaphoid cast for 4 weeks. In the remaining 42 patients, in whom a fracture line could not be observed in a simple x-Ray, but continued to have clinical findings, a CT-scan was performed in 2 planes. In 26 patients with no fracture in the CT-scan were discharged, while in the remaining 16 patients with obvious fracture in the CT-scan a scaphoid cast was applied for 4 weeks. Group 2: 30 patients with scaphoid fracture, from which the cast was removed and the fracture line was still visible in a simple X-Ray were examined with CT-scan in 2 different planes. In 18 we found intense healing of the fracture in all the width of the scaphoid and the patients were discharged . The remaining 12 displayed delayed non union with obvious fracture line in all the width of the scaphoid. These patients were treated operatively, by compressing the fracture line with a Herbert screw. Group 3: This is the largest group of patients concerning the scaphoid pseudarthrosis and consists a topic of a different study. In conclusion the computer tomography scan in two different planes is the most reliable method for the investigation not only of scaphoid fractures but also of the efficiency of the callus. The contribution of the above method in the study of the scaphoid pdeudarhrosis is very important and valuable