Results of percutaneous fixation and distal radius core decompression in scaphoid waist non-unions treated without grafting.

Scaphoid non-union management is still a challenge in clinical practice for orthopaedic surgeons. Though several treatment methods have been described, there is an ongoing debate about optimum management. Based on new concepts about avascular conditions, promising results were reported with metaphyseal decompression of the distal radius by increasing the vascularization of the radial column of the carpus. We aimed to evaluate the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of distal radius core decompression and fixation with palmar percutaneous cannulated compression screws without grafting in patients with scaphoid waist fracture non-union. Twenty-nine patients with scaphoid non-union were included in this prospective study. There were 27 male and 2 female patients with an average age of 29 years (range 18-45 years). Mean time from the injury to surgery was 18.3 months. The Slade and Geissler classification was used to classify the non-unions. Wrist range of motion (ROM), pain based on a visual analog scale (VAS), and the Mayo wrist score were used to assess the clinical outcomes. Postoperative radiographs and CT-scans were reviewed to assess fracture union, carpal alignment and screw position. The average clinical follow-up was 76 weeks (range: 74-87 weeks) postoperatively. Mean time to union was 11 weeks (range: 7-18 weeks). There was no humpback/no DISI in any of the cases. Twenty-six patients healed successfully with no additional procedures. Three patients with failed union underwent revision surgery with grafting. At the final follow-up, average wrist ROM was 61° (range: 30-80) in extension and 61° (range: 35-80) in flexion, the average Mayo wrist score was 66±20 (range: 20-90), and the mean VAS was 2±2 (range: 0-7). Percutaneous fixation without grafting associated with distal radius core decompression can provide satisfactory outcomes in surgical management of scaphoid non-unions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.