TL;DR: Surgical treatment results of perilunate fracture-dislocations of the wrist appear better than conservative treatment methods, but complications following both indicate the need for improved internal fixation and fracture- dislocation realignment.
Abstract: Perilunate dislocations of the wrist have a common pathway of disruption that occurs from extensive dorsiflexion injuries. Open reduction and internal fixation of these injuries is required to provide accurate alignment and the option for ligament repair. Both dorsal and palmar surgical incisions may be indicated. Associated injuries to the median nerve must be recognized. Treatment includes scaphoid and radial styloid stabilization with multiple K-wires or internal compression screw (Herbert or Association for the Study of Internal Fixation [ASIF] screws). In these injuries, the lunate must be reduced first and stabilized. The scaphoid proximal segment follows the lunate unless the scapholunate (SL) ligament is torn. The distal scaphoid fragment, capitate, and triquetrum are reduced and aligned with the lunate and need to be held with K-wires. Ligament repair and augmentation may be necessary at both scapholunate and lunotriquetal areas if there has been serious ligament injury. Palmar ligament repair is often required, and we recommend a palmar exploration in most patients along with release of the median nerve. Surgical treatment results of perilunate fracture-dislocations of the wrist appear better than conservative treatment methods, but complications following both indicate the need for improved internal fixation and fracture-dislocation realignment. These fractures are a real challenge to the treating surgeon who must use patience, precise surgical techniques, and careful roentgenographic study (including tomograms and traction views) to assure the best result.
TL;DR: A new and simple operative technique has been developed to provide rigid internal fixation for all types of fractures of the scaphoid which 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.
Abstract: 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.
TL;DR: It is recommended that all displaced ununited scaphoid fractures be reduced and grafted, regardless of symptoms, before degenerative changes occur, and asymptomatic patients with an undisplaced, stable non-union should be advised of the possibility of late degenerativeChanges.
Abstract: We reviewed the clinical and roentgenographic findings of forty-seven non-unions of a fracture of the scaphoid in forty-six symptomatic patients in order to assess the incidence and severity of degenerative changes of the wrist. The duration of non-union ranged from five to fifty-three years. Three roentgenographic patterns were seen: twenty-three lesions had sclerosis, cyst formation, or resorptive changes confined to the scaphoid bone (Group I); fourteen had radioscaphoid arthritis (Group II); and ten had generalized arthritis of the wrist (Group III). The duration of Group-I non-unions averaged 8.2 years; Group-II, 17.0 years; and Group-III non-unions, 31.6 years. Fracture displacement and carpal instability correlated with the severity of degenerative changes. Lunate dorsiflexion of 10 degrees or more was a useful guide to carpal instability. Few of the forty-seven non-unions were undisplaced, stable, or free of arthritis after ten years. Based on the high probability of arthritis, we recommend that all displaced ununited scaphoid fractures be reduced and grafted, regardless of symptoms, before degenerative changes occur. Asymptomatic patients with an undisplaced, stable non-union should be advised of the possibility of late degenerative changes.
TL;DR: Internal fixation of the scaphoid using the Herbert bone screw, although technically demanding, has few complications and appears to offer significant advantages over other methods of treatment.
Abstract: We reviewed the records of 431 patients who had open reduction and internal fixation of the scaphoid performed by one surgeon (TJH) over a 13-year period. The Herbert bone screw provided adequate internal fixation without the use of plaster immobilisation, promoting a rapid functional recovery. On average, patients returned to work 4.7 weeks after surgery and wrist function was significantly improved, even when the fracture failed to unite. Healing rates for acute fractures were better than those reported for plaster immobilisation and were independent of fracture location. In the case of established nonunions, healing depended on the stage and location of the fracture, but the progress of arthritis was halted and carpal collapse significantly improved. Internal fixation of the scaphoid using the Herbert bone screw, although technically demanding, has few complications and appears to offer significant advantages over other methods of treatment.
TL;DR: In the united scaphoids, carpal instability was corrected, with improvement in the scapholunate angle and capitolunate angulations andScaphoid malalignment associated with nonunion was improved on biplanar tomographic measurement of the scaphoid angles.
Abstract: Twenty-one cases of unstable fractures of the scaphoid were treated by open reduction, length restoration by interpositional anterior wedge grafting, and fixation with a Herbert screw to obtain union and restore carpal stability. There was primary union in 15 (71%) of 21 patients. Two failed cases were treated with a second anterior wedge graft and Herbert screw fixation; overall rate of union was 81%. Nonunions were related to improper screw placement, failure of compression at the nonunion, bone-graft resorption, or persistent avascular necrosis. In the united scaphoids, carpal instability was corrected, with improvement in the scapholunate angle (65 degrees to 54 degrees) and capitolunate angulations (35 degrees to 15 degrees). Scaphoid malalignment associated with nonunion was improved on biplanar tomographic measurement of the scaphoid angles.