Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to detail factors influencing outcome of corticocancellous grafts for the treatment of scaphocarpal non-union and to determine ideal indications.
Material and methods: Between 1984 and 1999, this grafting technique was used for 103 patients; we retained for analysis 57 wrists (58 nonunions). Mean follow-up was 106 months. Mean age was 36 years. For 45 patients, non-union occurred because of misdiagnosis. According to the Schernberg classification, eleven nonunions were in zone II, 40 in zone III, and seven in zone IV. Time from fracture to treatment was 35 months on average. The Alno classification of non-union was: stage I=13, stage IIA=20, stage IIA=22, stage IIIA=2, stage IIIB=1. The graft was harvested from the pelvis in 50 cases. Osteosynthesis was associated with a graft in 33 of the 58 cases. Postoperative immobilisation was maintained for 2.7 months on average. Bone healing was achieved within thee months.
Results: Thirty-six patients were very satisfied. Twenty-seven had significant pain on the pelvic harvesting site (50 harvestings). Wrist motion was 56.2° flexion, 56° extension, 83° supination, 83° pronation, and 11° radial and 32.7° ulnar inclination. Thumb opposition was noted 9.4/10 and average contraopposition was 4. Mean index of carpal height was 0.547. The mean radiolunate angle was 4.8°. A DISI deformation was observed for 20 wrists. Thirty-six patients (62%) developed little or no osteoarthritis. The rate of bone healing was 81% but eleven nonunions did not heal, including seven cases of necrosis of the proximal pole. The absence of DISI deformation correction at the time of grafting favoured development of radiocarpal osteoarthritis. The presence of necrosis favoured persistent non-union. Concomitant osteosynthesis did not improve the healing rate.
Discussion: Treatment of scaphoid non-union with a corticocancellous graft remains the choice alternative, providing 81% healing. Grafts consolidation must occur at the radial epiphysis in order to limit painful sequelae. This procedure can be performed for patients with a DISI deformation, but vascularised grafts should be preferred in the event of necrosis of the proximal pole of the scaphoid.
