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.     

Percutaneous fixation of scaphoid fractures.

The scaphoid proximal pole and waist fractures presented here were treated by a novel dorsal percutaneous technique with arthroscopic assistance. All fractures healed, with good final functional results and no complications. The advantages of the dorsal percutaneous approach to scaphoid fixation are: (1) the proximal-to-distal placement of the guide pin and screw allow for more precise placement along the central axis of the scaphoid, which decreases healing time and reduces risk of screw thread exposure. (2) The dorsal approach avoids injuring the vulnerable volar ligament anatomy. And (3) the insertion of the screw from the proximal to distal direction allows the more rigid fixation of proximal scaphoid fractures. Arthroscopy allows confirmation of fracture reduction and screw implantation as well as evaluation of concurrent ligament injuries not detected with standard imaging. Percutaneous K-wires act as joysticks to reduce and compress fracture fragments prior to fixation. The presented technique allows for early, rigid internal fixation with minimal associated morbidity. Patients successfully treated with this technique include those with stable and unstable acute fractures of the scaphoid at all locations, including the proximal pole. Nondisplaced fractures that present with delayed or fibrous union without evidence of avascular necrosis, cyst formation, or bony sclerosis may also be treated with this technique. This technique allows for faster rehabilitation and an earlier return to work or avocation without restriction once CT scan confirms a solid union. Some articles document extraordinary rapid healing by standard radiographs; however, we caution that scaphoid bone healing cannot accurately be determined without CT scan. Percutaneous, arthroscopically assisted internal fixation by a dorsal approach may be considered in all acute scaphoid fractures selected for surgical fixation. The dorsal guidewire permits dorsal and volar implantation of a cannulated screw along the central axis of the scaphoid. This technique permits the reduction of displaced fractures and the stable repair of fractures of the proximal pole. In addition, selected scaphoid fibrous union or delayed union may also be repaired, with realistic expectations of healing. The proven benefits of the percutaneous technique include decreased soft tissue trauma; arthroscopic visualization of the fracture, ensuring anatomic reduction; and stable fixation, allowing early physical rehabilitation. The theoretical benefits of the technique include decreased risk of interruption of the tenuous scaphoid blood supply. Percutaneous internal fixation of scaphoid fractures provides faster rehabilitation, earlier return to work, and quicker bony union in most patients.     

Cannulated variable pitch compression screw fixation of scaphoid fractures using a limited dorsal approach

Scaphoid fractures are common in the young, active patient. Treatment is challenging because of the complex three-dimensional anatomy of the scaphoid and the tenuous blood supply. Traditionally, cast immobilization has been used for the management of non-displaced fractures with satisfactory outcomes reported in the literature. However, non-surgical treatment may result in a delayed union or nonunion particularly if the fracture is unstable, displaced, or involves the proximal pole. Recently there has been increased interest in the fixation of non-displaced scaphoid fractures. The proposed advantages for operative treatment include avoiding the morbidity and inconvenience of prolonged cast immobilization and a lower incidence of delayed union or nonunion. A variety of surgical approaches for fixation of an acute scaphoid fracture have been described. The most common techniques include percutaneous fixation, arthroscopically assisted reduction and fixation, or open reduction and internal fixation via a volar approach. The senior author favors a limited dorsal approach with compression screw fixation of all proximal pole fractures as well as displaced and non-displaced fractures of the waist region. The technique is simple permitting accurate screw placement in the central axis of the scaphoid, which is biomechanically advantageous and important for achieving union.     

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.     

手术治疗舟骨骨折49例结果及体会

目的报道手术治疗49例舟骨骨折的结果及体会。方法经皮或切开复位Acutrak钉/空心钉/可吸收钉/U形钉内固定舟骨骨折,陈旧性骨折及骨坏死者加做带血管蒂桡骨茎突骨瓣移植,记录术后骨折愈合时间、握力、腕关节活动度、疼痛、恢复工作时间及腕关节功能评分。结果对本组患者进行随访1～8.5年,平均3.6年;骨折愈合时间为7～12周,平均10.8周。腕关节平均评分85.2分;功能优28例,良21例,差0例。所有患者均恢复原来的工作或改为较轻的工作。结论经皮或切开复位螺钉固定、带血管蒂桡骨茎突骨瓣移植是治疗舟骨骨折的一种好方法;骨折类型不同,手术方法也需有所变化。Acutrak钉固定效果好于空心钉或可吸收钉。短期随访,未见有桡骨茎突切除的并发症。桡腕关节桡侧切口有利于显露骨折端及骨瓣制备,值得推荐。带血管蒂桡骨茎突骨瓣移植可缩短骨折愈合时间。     

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。     

Percutaneous fixation of scaphoid fractures

Recent advances in techniques and implants have led to renewed interest in percutaneous screw fixation of acute scaphoid fractures. The closed (cast) treatment of acute scaphoid fractures generally has good outcome, with bony union resulting; however, closed treatment can result in delayed union, nonunion, malunion, cast- induced joint stiffness, and lost time from employment and avocations. Acute percutaneous fixation of scaphoid fracture has been proposed as a means to minimize some of the complications of closed (cast) treatment. Percutaneous treatment of both nondisplaced and displaced scaphoid fractures reportedly can achieve a nearly 100% union rate with minimal complications. Fixation of scaphoid fractures with headless compression screws can be done using both volar and dorsal approaches. The fracture reduction and alignment are assessed by fluoroscopy and arthroscopy. Appropriately performed acute percutaneous internal fixation is now a standard treatment option for a selected group of patients with acute scaphoid fracture.     

Entwicklung der navigierten Versorgung von Kahnbeinfrakturen

Percutaneous screw fixation of nondisplaced scaphoid fractures has gained popularity but remains technically demanding. Internal fixation has been advocated in young active individuals with nondisplaced scaphoid fractures to accelerate healing, allow early wrist motion, and avoid the disadvantages with prolonged immobilization. Central placement of the screw in the proximal fragment of the scaphoid is associated with decreased time to union. The newly developed universal scaphoid splint results in complete immobilization of the wrist and allows either a dorsal or palmar surgical approach. The universal scaphoid splint offers adequate reference marker stability and successful 2D/3D-navigated fluoroscopic K-wire drilling and screw placement in the scaphoid bone. Biomechanic studies, cadaver investigations, and early clinical results support the advantages of computer-assisted surgery (CAS) compared to percutaneous screw placement.     

Entwicklung der navigierten Versorgung von Kahnbeinfrakturen

Percutaneous screw fixation of nondisplaced scaphoid fractures has gained popularity but remains technically demanding. Internal fixation has been advocated in young active individuals with nondisplaced scaphoid fractures to accelerate healing, allow early wrist motion, and avoid the disadvantages with prolonged immobilization. Central placement of the screw in the proximal fragment of the scaphoid is associated with decreased time to union. The newly developed universal scaphoid splint results in complete immobilization of the wrist and allows either a dorsal or palmar surgical approach. The universal scaphoid splint offers adequate reference marker stability and successful 2D/3D-navigated fluoroscopic K-wire drilling and screw placement in the scaphoid bone. Biomechanic studies, cadaver investigations, and early clinical results support the advantages of computer-assisted surgery (CAS) compared to percutaneous screw placement.     

Screw fixation without bone grafting for scaphoid fracture nonunion

IntroductionWe previously reported the classification of the scaphoid fracture nonunions as linear, cystic, and sclerotic or displaced types based on radiographic findings. We have been treating the linear and cystic type fractures via screw fixation without bone grafting and the sclerotic or displaced type fractures via screw fixation with bone grafting. In this retrospective study, we report the treatment outcomes of the linear and cystic types of scaphoid fracture nonunions.MethodsNineteen patients with linear and cystic type scaphoid fracture nonunions were included. Two patients had linear type and 17 had cystic type fractures. All the patients were male, their mean age was 29.2 years. All patients were treated with screw fixation alone by a single surgeon.ResultsBone union was achieved in 17 cases. The mean time to bone union was 3.7 months. Bone union was not achieved in one case of linear type and one case of cystic type fracture. The former was thought to be due to misdiagnosis of displaced type as linear type fracture; however, no obvious reason could be found for the latter.DiscussionScrew fixation alone could help achieve bone union in linear type scaphoid fracture nonunions. However, if the type of the fracture is difficult to diagnose based on plain radiography, evaluation using computed tomography should be performed. The cystic type fractures may need to be subclassified according to the location or size of the cyst as well as the viability of the proximal bone fragment.     

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.     

Percutaneous fixation of stable scaphoid fractures

The increased awareness of scaphoid fractures and their complications has prompted early aggressive treatment to prevent the sequelae of nonunions and degenerative changes in the carpus. Despite this, many fractures require prolonged immobilization, often resulting in diminished motion and time lost in sports or employment. In an effort to diminish the time to union and decrease prolonged immobilization, percutaneous fixation techniques have been described and recently popularized by several authors. The indications and contraindications, technique, complications, and rehabilitation of treatment of both dorsally and volarly placed percutaneous screw fixation of stable scaphoid fractures will be the focus of this paper.     

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.     

Arthroscopic-assisted percutaneous reduction and screw fixation of displaced scaphoid fractures

Many scaphoid fractures can be treated with percutaneous screw insertion, but fracture displacement usually necessitates open reduction. Two surgeons treated 20 consecutive patients with displaced fractures of the scaphoid using arthroscopic-assisted percutaneous screw fixation. Thirteen patients had dorsal (antegrade) and seven had palmar (retrograde) percutaneous screw insertion. At an average follow-up of 18 (range 6-48) months, all of the fractures were healed and there were no implant problems. The early results of arthroscopic-assisted percutaneous screw fixation of displaced fractures of the scaphoid suggest that union can be obtained and good to excellent function achieved predictably without the need for open exposure. Avoidance of an open exposure limits wrist ligament injury and may preserve blood supply. Further evaluation of this procedure is merited.     

Volar Percutaneous Screw Fixation for Scaphoid Waist Delayed Union

Volar percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of acute scaphoid waist fractures reportedly produces high rates of healing and early return to work, but the method has not been reported for treating scaphoid waist delayed unions. We therefore report the surgical results of percutaneous screw fixation in scaphoid waist delayed union in 12 patients. All patients were male with an average age of 31.1 years. Duration of injury was 12 weeks (range, 6–20 weeks). However, no patient had carpal instability, scaphoid deformity, or avascular necrosis of the proximal fracture fragment. The minimal followup was 12 months (mean, 20 months; range, 12–24 months). Preoperative radiographs showed slight bone resorption at the fracture site in five patients and cyst formation in three patients. A cannulated screw was introduced volarly under image intensifier guidance in all patients. All fractures united uneventfully. At 12 month followups, the flexion and extension arcs of the injured wrist were 94% and 93% of the uninjured wrist. Grip strength averaged 34 ± 3 kg, which was 92% of the grip strength of the uninjured hand. The Mayo Modified Wrist Score was 94 ± 6 points and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 9 ± 6 points. Our experience suggests volar percutaneous screw fixation is a reliable method to treat scaphoid waist delayed union.     

骶髂螺钉固定治疗垂直不稳定骨盆后环骨折的疗效分析

目的评价骶髂螺钉治疗不稳定型骨盆骨折的临床疗效。方法采用骶髂螺钉治疗42例不稳定型骨盆骨折。应用Tornetta复位情况评价表评估复位情况,应用Majeed骨盆骨折评分系统评价疗效。结果 42例均获随访,随访时间为4~34个月,平均15个月。闭合复位骶骨钉内固定骨盆骨折后环不稳术后分疗效满意。结论掌握骶骨置钉技巧,应用骶骨钉固定骨盆骨折后环不稳,手术操作简单、疗效好、适于基层医院广泛开展。     

Minimally invasive management of scaphoid fractures

Percutaneous internal fixation of scaphoid fractures allows for more predictable union and less morbidity than cast treatment or open internal fixation. This technique is appropriate for both acute scaphoid waist and proximal pole fractures, as well as selected nonunions. A headless cannulated compression screw (standard Acutrak) is implanted via a dorsal percutaneous approach using fluoroscopy and arthroscopy to confirm position and reduction. The details of this technique are reviewed. In a consecutive series of 27 fractures treated with arthroscopic assisted dorsal percutaneous fixation, eighteen fractures were treated acutely and 9 were treated more than 1 month after injury. CT scan confirmed 100% union rate at an average of 12 weeks with no complications.     

Management of the fractured scaphoid using a new bone screw

A new and simple operative technique has been developed to provide rigid internal fixation for all types of fractures of the scaphoid. This involves the use of a double-threaded bone screw which provides such good fixation that, after operation, a plaster cast is rarely required and most patients are able to return to work within a few weeks. A classification of scaphoid fractures is proposed. The indications for operation included not only acute unstable fractures, but also fractures with delayed healing and those with established non-union; screw fixation was combined with bone grafting to treat non-union. In a prospective trial, 158 operations using this technique were carried out between 1977 and 1981. The rate of union was 100 per cent for acute fractures and 83 per cent overall. This method of treatment appears to offer significant advantages over conventional techniques in the management of the fractured scaphoid.     

Acutrak screw fixation versus cast immobilisation for undisplaced scaphoid waist fractures

Fifty-three patients with less than 14 day-old, undisplaced fractures of the waist of the scaphoid were randomized to two groups. Twenty-eight patients were treated by immobilisation in a below elbow plaster cast for 10 weeks while 25 were treated by percutaneous insertion of an Acutrak standard screw. There were no statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups with regard to either the rate of union or the time to union. Patients who underwent surgery had a significantly better range of motion at 16 weeks but there were no significant differences for grip strength. Acute percutaneous internal fixation of undisplaced scaphoid waist fractures using the Acutrak screw allows early mobilisation without adverse effects on fracture healing.     

Intramedullary Screw Fixation Versus Traditional Plating for Distal Fibula Fractures

The traditional method of treating fibular fractures in unstable ankle injuries involves open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and screw construct. Less invasive percutaneous fixation techniques with intramedullary fibular screws have been utilized for many years to reduce wound and implant complications while maintaining a stable ankle mortise. However, there have been no direct case-control studies comparing percutaneous intramedullary fibular screw fixation to the traditional open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws. In our study, we compared radiographic and clinical outcomes for unstable ankle fractures in which the fibula fracture was treated with either a percutaneous intramedullary screw or by open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and screw construct. We retrospectively reviewed 69 consecutive patients from 2011 to 2019 with unstable ankle fractures treated with intramedullary fibular screws and compared them to 216 case-control patients treated with traditional plate and screw construct over the same time period. The average follow-up for the intramedullary screw group was 11.5 months and 15.2 months for the plate and screw group. We collected general demographic data, measured intraoperative and final follow-up talocrural angles, Kellgren-Lawrence osteoarthritis grade, union rates, implant removal rates, infection rates, and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scores. The intramedullary screw group had a statistically significant lower rate of delayed implant removal (8.7% vs 23.6%) and there was no detectable difference in other measures.