Clinical result of operative treatment for scaphoid non-union in the skeletally immature: percutaneous versus open procedure

This article is a retrospective study of 13 cases of scaphoid non-union in skeletally immature patients. For the fracture fixation, three cases of stable fibrous union with minimal sclerosis, without deformity or cystic changes were considered for the percutaneous Herbert screw fixation. Ten cases were managed with the open reduction and internal fixation with or without bone grafting. The average union time was 10.5 weeks post-operatively. The average union time was lesser in percutaneous Herbert screw fixation group (nine weeks) than open procedure group (11.5 weeks). All cases achieved union without any supplemental procedures. According to Cooney's clinical scoring, 12 cases were rated excellent result and one good result. The percutaneous Herbert screw fixation for scaphoid non-union in skeletally immature patients can be a good treatment option when it is fibrous union with no deformity.     

Internal fixation of acute, nondisplaced scaphoid waist fractures via a limited dorsal approach: an assessment of radiographic and functional outcomes

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a consecutive series of patients who had internal fixation of an acute, nondisplaced scaphoid waist fracture via a limited dorsal approach. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients had surgical fixation of a nondisplaced scaphoid waist (Herbert B2) fracture via a limited dorsal approach. Eighteen patients were available for follow-up evaluation at a mean duration of 98 weeks after surgery (range, 12-272 wk). Fifteen males and 3 females with a mean age of 25 years (range, 16-62 y) were examined. Wrist range of motion; grip strength; visual analog and numeric pain scores; and a Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) outcomes questionnaire were assessed. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed in a blinded fashion to assess the fracture union and screw position. RESULTS: Seventeen of 18 fractures healed at a mean duration of 8 weeks. No case of proximal pole avascular necrosis occurred. All patients were satisfied and returned to their pre-injury level of employment. Five of 6 collegiate or professional athletes returned to play without limitations. The mean subjective and visual analog pain scores were 0.3 and 0.4 (maximum of 10 for each scale). The mean DASH score was 6.12 (out of 100), which is consistent with an excellent functional outcome. Central axis screw position was achieved on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs in 17 of 18 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Fixation of an acute, nondisplaced scaphoid waist fracture via a limited dorsal approach is safe and effective. The limited dorsal approach allows for accurate insertion of the screw in the central scaphoid, which is biomechanically advantageous for fracture union and early restoration of function. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.     

Percutaneous screw fixation or cast immobilization for nondisplaced scaphoid fractures

BACKGROUND: Nondisplaced scaphoid fractures treated with prolonged cast immobilization may result in temporary joint stiffness and muscle weakness in addition to a delay in return to sports or work. Fixation of scaphoid fractures with a percutaneous cannulated screw has resulted in a shorter time to union and to return to work or sports. The purpose of this prospective, randomized study was to compare cast immobilization with percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of nondisplaced scaphoid fractures with respect to time to radiographic union and to return to work. METHODS: Twenty-five full-time military personnel with an acute nondisplaced fracture of the scaphoid waist consented to be randomized to either cast immobilization or fixation with a percutaneous cannulated Acutrak screw (Acumed, Beaverton, Oregon) for the purpose of this study. Time to fracture union, wrist motion, grip strength, and return to work as well as overall patient satisfaction at the time of a two-year follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS: Eleven patients were randomized to percutaneous cannulated screw fixation, and fourteen were randomized to cast immobilization. The average time to fracture union in the screw fixation group was seven weeks compared with twelve weeks in the cast immobilization group (p = 0.0003). The average time until the patients returned to work was eight weeks compared with fifteen weeks in the cast immobilization group (p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the range of motion of the wrist or in grip strength at the two-year follow-up evaluation. Overall patient satisfaction was high in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of nondisplaced scaphoid fractures resulted in faster radiographic union and return to military duty compared with cast immobilization. The specific indications for and the risks and benefits of percutaneous screw fixation of such fractures must be determined in larger randomized, prospective studies.     

Surgical treatment of pediatric scaphoid fracture nonunions

Scaphoid fractures in the pediatric population are uncommon but can usually be successfully managed with standard immobilization techniques. However, nonunions of pediatric scaphoid wrist fractures have been reported. We present the treatment and outcome of 13 pediatric scaphoid fracture nonunions in 12 children treated over an 18-year period. The average time elapsed between time of fracture and time of surgery was 16.7 months. Four of the nonunions were treated by using the Matti-Russe procedure, and nine were treated with Herbert screw fixation and iliac crest bone grafting. The average time of follow-up was 6.9 years (range, 2-19 years). All cases went on to clinical and radiographic union. There was no statistically significant difference in range of motion or strength between the operative and nonoperative wrist. Eleven of 12 patients demonstrated an excellent rating based on the Mayo Modified Wrist score. The length of time for postoperative immobilization in the Herbert screw group was significantly less than that in the Matti-Russe group. Currently our standard approach to the treatment of scaphoid fracture nonunions in the skeletally immature patient is the use of the Herbert screw and iliac crest bone graft.     

背侧入路经皮加压螺钉内固定治疗舟骨骨折的临床研究

目的介绍背侧入路经皮加压螺钉内固定治疗舟骨骨折的适应证、手术方法和疗效。方法2009年4~10月,采用背侧入路经皮加压螺钉固定小切口空心钉技术治疗6例急性舟骨骨折的患者,骨折分型为HerbertB2,B3型。术中以Lister结节为标志,于其远端0·5~1cm处触及舟骨近极,在导针引导、C型臂监视下、沿舟骨轴线打入合适长度的加压螺钉。结果6例患者均有初步随访资料,随访时间为4至6个月,平均5个月。B2型骨折平均愈合时间为8周,B3型骨折平均愈合时间为12周;恢复工作时间平均为14d;活动度达到健侧90%以上;无疼痛等不适感觉。没有并发症。结论背侧入路经皮加压螺钉技术治疗急性舟骨骨折创伤小,根据骨折类型不需外固定或外固定时间较保守治疗缩短,愈合率高,治疗结果满意。     

闭合复位经皮Herbert螺钉内固定治疗新鲜稳定型舟骨腰部骨折

目的：观察闭合复位经皮Herbert螺钉内固定治疗新鲜稳定型舟骨腰部骨折的临床疗效。方法对采用闭合复位经皮Herbert螺钉内固定治疗的12例新鲜稳定型舟骨腰部骨折患者进行随访,采用修订后Mayo腕关节评分标准对临床效果进行评价。结果所有患者均获得随访,随访时间13~23个月（平均15个月）,无感染、螺钉松动、过敏排斥反应及关节炎的发生。所有患者骨折均愈合,骨折愈合时间为8~14周,平均10周。按修订后Mayo腕关节评分标准：优7例,良4例,可1例,优良率91.7%。结论闭合复位经皮Herbert螺钉内固定治疗新鲜稳定型舟骨腰部骨折,具有操作简单,固定可靠,并发症少及能早期进行功能锻炼等优点。     

The treatment of pseudoarthrosis of the scaphoid by bone grafting and three methods of internal fixation.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the rate of union in patients with pseudoarthosis of the scaphoid, treated with trapezoidal bone grafting as outlined by Fernandez and 1 of 3 methods of internal fixation and to compare unions versus nonunions and potential predictors of union to determine if associations exist. DESIGN: A retrospective radiologic study of scaphoid pseudoarthroses. SETTING: Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Ottawa Hospital, General Site, a tertiary care facility. PATIENTS: Thirty-four patients with nonunion of scaphoid fractures, treated between 1990 and 1997, with an average follow-up of 19.8 months. INTERVENTIONS: Trapezoidal bone grafting and internal fixation with Kirschner (K) wires, an AO cannulated screw or a Herbert screw. OUTCOME MEASURES: The time to union of scaphoid pseudoarthroses and predictors of union, including the classification, location of pseudoarthrosis, type of internal fixation and length of bone graft. RESULTS: The results showed a correlation between the classification and location of the fracture as determined radiologically, and the outcome. There was no correlation between the type of internal fixation used and the outcome, or between the length of the bone graft and the outcome. Twenty-three patients had radiologically demonstrated union after a mean time of 8.2 months; 16 of 24 patients achieved successful union when treated with K-wire implants, after a mean time of 7.2 months. CONCLUSIONS: Trapezoidal bone grafting and internal fixation with K wires is a practical technique, classification and location of the fracture notwithstanding. Time to union is long, and the results may be unpredictable. Use of K wires for internal fixation presents the clinician with an alternative to fixation with either the AO cannulated screw or the Herbert screw, and has the advantages of cost, ease of insertion and accessibility. This method may therefore be the treatment of choice in developing countries. Resection of the area of pseudoarthrosis must include all fibrous tissue and sclerotic bone. The length of graft, within the parameters of this study, did not affect the outcome.     

Fixation of scaphoid delayed union and non-union with absorbable polyglycolide pin or Herbert screw

Internal fixation with an absorbable polyglycolide pin or a Herbert screw was used to treat 34 patients with ununited and delayed union of fractures of the carpal scaphoid. The late clinical result could be reviewed in 14 patients in the polyglycolide group and 10 in the Herbert group with an average follow-up time of 68 and 58 months, respectively. The rate of union was 64% in the polyglycolide group and 60% in the Herbert group. The functional outcome was better in the Herbert group than in the polyglycolide group. A transient local abacterial tissue reaction occurred in 5 of 20 (25%) patients in the polyglycolide group. Two Herbert screws were removed due to penetration of the screw into the radial cartilage. The complication rate was relatively high with both methods. The polyglycolide pin results were unsatisfactory in this study, and thus we do not recommend their use in delayed union of and ununited scaphoid fractures.     

Pediatric scaphoid nonunion

PURPOSE: To report the outcome of pediatric scaphoid nonunions treated with a Herbert screw and bone graft. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 12 cases of scaphoid nonunion in 12 skeletally immature patients treated with a uniform approach consisting of open reduction, iliac crest bone grafting and Herbert screw fixation. All patients were boys and presented with nonunions of the scaphoid waist. The final follow-up evaluation was at a mean of 32 months, ranging from 22 to 45 months, and consisted of assessing anatomic snuffbox tenderness, wrist arc of motion, grip strength, calculation of the Modified Mayo Wrist score, and assessment of union based on plain radiographs. RESULTS: At the latest follow-up evaluation, all patients were pain free (including absence of snuffbox tenderness) except one who experienced slight discomfort during extreme activities. There was no statistically significant difference in the arc of motion between the surgically treated and healthy sides, and the average grip strength was 96% that of the contralateral extremity. Clinical and radiographic union was present in all cases at a mean of 3.4 months after surgery. The Modified Mayo Wrist score was excellent in 11 patients and good in 1. There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction and internal fixation with a Herbert screw reliably obtained union in all patients. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.     

Surgical treatment results in scaphoid nonunion

Fracture of the scaphoid is the most common fracture in the wrist. We retrospectively reviewed 42 cases of established nonunion of the scaphoid that had been treated by four methods: with two Kirschner wires (K wires) and pronator quadratus pedicled bone graft in 5 patients; AO cannulated screw and graft in 8 patients; Herbert screw and graft in 19 patients; and two K wires and graft in 10 patients. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 5 years (between January 1995 and January 2000). Radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans were analyzed for confirmation of osseous union. The average period of clinical and radiologic union was 13.2 weeks (range, 10 to 33 weeks). There was a significant improvement in the grasping power, radiologic healing, clinical satisfaction, and pain relief in the patients who had operation.     

The Herbert screw for scaphoid fractures. A multicentre study

The results of a prospective multicentre study of the Herbert differential pitch bone screw used to treat 50 scaphoid fractures and non-unions are presented. All fresh fractures and four of the five fracture-dislocations united, an overall union rate of 92%. Although the technique is demanding, the Herbert screw can achieve excellent results in the management of scaphoid fractures.     

Open reduction and internal fixation of acute displaced scaphoid waist fractures

Fourteen consecutive patients with acute displaced scaphoid waist fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. The operative technique consisted of anatomic reduction of the displaced scaphoid waist fracture, correction of carpal instability, radial bone grafting for comminution, and internal fixation with K-wires or Herbert screw. The patients were evaluated an average of 26 months (range, 4-48 months) after surgery. Thirteen of the 14 (93%) fractures united. The average time to union was 11.5 weeks (range, 8-20 weeks). Fracture union was confirmed with trispiral tomography. Final radiographic assessment consistently revealed a healed scaphoid fracture, restored intrascaphoid alignment, and no evidence of carpal instability. All patients regained functional wrist range of motion (wrist extension, 57 degrees; wrist flexion, 52 degrees ) and grip strength. Open reduction and internal fixation of acute displaced scaphoid waist fractures restores scaphoid alignment and leads to predictable union. Early operative intervention avoids malunion and carpal instability that often occurs with closed management of these complex fractures.     

Internal fixation of scaphoid non-union: a comparative study of three methods

In this study we compared the results of three methods of fixation for scaphoid non-union. The implants used were the AO 2 mm mini-fragment screw, the Herbert screw and the Kirschner (K) wires. Between 1990 and 1999, 132 patients underwent surgery for scaphoid fractures. We used the modified Filan and Herbert classification. Patients with acute fractures and patients requiring vascularised bone grafts were excluded. Twenty-six non-unions were fixed with an AO mini-fragment screw, 58 with a Herbert screw, and nine with K-wires. Radiological union was achieved in 85% of cases using the AO screw, 77% using the Herbert screw and 55% using the K-wire fixation. Statistically there was no significant difference between the AO and Herbert screw groups in terms of rate and speed of radiological union. The mechanical strength of the implant and the compression achieved did not seem to influence the union rate and speed. The type of bone graft (iliac crest or distal radius) did not significantly affect the union rates. Finally, K-wire fixation, either as a primary method or as a salvage procedure, produced inferior results and required prolonged immobilisation in plaster.     

经皮交叉克氏针固定、自体骨髓移植治疗Herbert Ⅰ型腕舟骨骨折的临床研究

目的观察经皮交叉克氏针固定、自体骨髓移植治疗HerbertⅠ型腕舟骨骨折的临床效果。方法随机选择36例新鲜无错位（HerbertⅠ型）腕舟骨骨折患者，采用经皮交叉克氏针固定，抽取自体红骨髓5ml，快速、加压注入舟状骨骨折部位，术后6周开始，每周拍摄计算机X线片（CR-X）1次，至骨折愈合，并记录骨折愈合及恢复工作时间。结果术后随访6周～4年，36例全部愈合，骨折愈合时间为7～12周，平均8．3周。35例腕关节活动度达到健侧腕关节活动标准，活动后无疼痛，均恢复了正常工作。1例腕关节伸屈活动术后较术前有明显改善，但仍未达健侧腕关节活动范围，且活动时疼痛。结论经皮交叉克氏针固定、自体骨髓移植治疗HerbertⅠ型腕舟骨骨折，较传统治疗方法，具有损伤小、操作简单、安全，最大限度地避免了医源性损伤，缩短了骨折愈合时间，提高了治愈率，是一种有效的治疗方法。     

Ununited proximal pole scaphoid fractures: Treatment with a Herbert screw in 16 cases followed for 0.5-8 years

We treated 16 cases of delayed union and nonunion of proximal one-third scaphoid fractures with cancellous bone grafting and retrograde insertion of a Herbert screw through a dorsal approach. Definite radiographic union was obtained in 13 of 16 patients after a median of 2 (0.5-8) years of follow-up. Using Cooney's clinical scoring system, 5 cases were excellent, 5 good, 5 fair and 1 poor. The treatment of ununited proximal pole scaphoid fractures with retrograde insertion of the Herbert screw offers the advantages of a short period of immobilization and a good function.     

Herbert screw fixation of fracture of the head of the radius

Herbert screw fixation of simple displaced fractures of the radial head involving up to one-half the articular surface is a reliable and effective technique. Following accurate reduction, the fracture surfaces are compressed with the Herbert scaphoid clamp and internally fixed with a Herbert screw, which is appropriately buried beneath the articular cartilage. Preliminary observations on two cases demonstrate rapid union and return of function occurring with anatomic reduction and sound fixation.     

早期切开复位Herbert螺钉内固定治疗经舟骨月骨周围脱位

目的 评价早期切开复位、Herbert螺钉内固定治疗经舟骨月骨周围脱位的临床效果.方法 早期采用切开复位、Herbert螺钉内固定治疗新鲜经舟骨月骨周围脱位8例,术后随访X线片了解骨折愈合情况及腕关节轴线恢复情况.Cooney腕关节评分法评价术后腕关节功能恢复程度,DASH问卷调查表行术后腕关节功能自我评价.结果 术后随访时间为7～35个月,平均14个月.根据Cooney腕关节评分:优3例,良2例,中2例,差1例;平均评分值为76.DASH评分值为27.X线片检查舟骨完全愈合,腕关节轴线恢复好.结论 早期切开复位Herbert螺钉内固定能达到舟骨解剖复位、恢复腕关节轴线,术后功能恢复较好,是治疗新鲜经舟骨月骨周围脱位较好的方法.     

3.0 mm AO空心松质骨螺钉治疗腕舟骨骨折

目的 总结应用3．0mm AO空心松质骨螺钉对9例舟骨骨折病人进行治疗的经验。方法 骨折按Herben分型，A2型5例，B2型2例，B4型1例，D1型1例。A2型及B2型7例骨折经皮穿钉进行内固定。B4型1例伴有舟月骨分离，在切开复位固定的同时进行了舟月韧带重建。D1型1例在切开复位的同时进行了骨移植。患者手术时平均年龄为33岁。结果 术后平均随访12个月。9例均获得了骨性愈合。结论 3．0mm AO窄心钉对骨折端可产牛良好的加压效果，并获得较好的治疗效果。     

1，2伸肌室间支持带上动脉为蒂骨瓣移植治疗舟骨骨折不愈合

目的探讨1,2伸肌室间支持带上动脉（1,2 intracompartmental supraretinacular artery 1,2 ICSRA）的解剖特点及治疗舟骨骨折不愈合的临床疗效。方法2008年7月-2010年9月共收治确诊的舟骨骨折不愈合患者11例,均采用逆行的1,2ICSRA为蒂骨瓣植入术结合Herbert螺钉内固定进行治疗,观察患者的骨折愈合情况及并发症,并以DASH评分对腕关节功能进行评价。结果所有患者均获6～33个月随访,平均17个月。11例患者均获骨性愈合,骨折愈合时间为9～14周。平均12周。术后6个月DASH评分平均为6．5分,腕关节功能接近正常。结论慎重的选择适应证,熟悉相关解剖知识,仔细的手术操作,采用逆行的1,2ICSRA为蒂骨瓣植入术结合Herbeft螺钉内固定治疗舟骨骨折不愈合可取得满意的临床疗效。     

Anterior odontoid fixation using a 4.5-mm Herbert screw: The first report of 20 consecutive cases with odontoid fracture

BACKGROUND: Anterior screw fixation provides the best anatomical and functional results for odontoid process fracture (type II and "shallow" type III) with intact transverse ligament. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of the 4.5-mm-diameter cannulated Herbert screw in the anterior odontoid fixation. METHODS: From May 2003 to November 2005, 20 consecutive cases of types II and III odontoid process fractures were treated with anterior screw fixation using a 4.5-mm Herbert screw. The Herbert screw has double threads, with different pitches on the distal and proximal ends. It has no head, so it can be inserted through articular cartilage and buried below bone surface. RESULTS: There were 16 male and 4 female patients whose ages ranged from 15 to 76 years (mean, 43.7 years). The fracture type was type II-A in 4 patients, II-N in 9 patients, II-P in 5 patients, and III in 2 patients. The range of follow-up was 3 to 36 months (mean, 18.6 months). There were an overall bone fusion rate in 17 cases (85%), fibrous union in 1 (5%), and nonunion in 2 (10%). Overall, complication unrelated to hardware occurred in the one (postoperative dysphagia) without complication-related hardware failure. CONCLUSIONS: The Herbert screw is very useful in anterior fixation for types II and III odontoid process fractures. This series showed successful clinical results comparable with that of the 3.5-mm cannulated cancellous screw and distinct advantages over conventional screws in the aspect of biomechanical properties and less invasiveness.