Arthroscopic reconstruction for unstable scaphoid non-union.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of arthroscopic reconstruction for the treatment of unstable scaphoid non-union with cancellous bone autograft.

METHODS: 13 patients were treated with a mean age of 26 (18-45) years. The average time from injury until surgery was 14 (6-48) months. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiological parameters were evaluated. Mean follow-up was 16.8 (12-36) months.

RESULTS: Consolidation was achieved in all cases at 7 (4-10 weeks), no patient had complications or reoperations. Range of motion, pain, functional assessment (DASH questionnaire) and radiological measurements improved compared to preoperative measurements. The average range of flexion improved: flexion 71.9° (55°-80°) to 81.7° (55°-90°), extension 66.3° (30°-80°) to 84.4° (70° -90°), ulnar deviation 21.5 (10°-25°) to 25.5° (20°-45°) and radial deviation 11.9° (5°-25°) to 13.3° (10th-20th). Pain (VAS 0-10) improved from 6.8 (4-10) to 0.7 (0-3). DASH functional scale improved from 36 (12-78) to 8 (0-10). The Scapho-Lunate Angle improved from 67.7° (62°-88°) to 47° (32°-55°), and the Radio-Lunate Angle improved from 30.8° (10° -45°) to 4(0°-10°).

CONCLUSION: Treatment of unstable scaphoid non-union with cancellous bone graft assisted by arthroscopy presents good clinical results with a short period of consolidation and recovery.