Medial femoral condyle vascularised corticoperiosteal graft: A suitable choice for scaphoid non-union

Abstract

Introduction: Scaphoid fractures are not very common and frequently remain undiagnosed, presenting in non-union and persistent wrist pain. Options for scaphoid fracture treatment have been described over several decades, however, none with an optimal solution to achieve union along with good hand function. We describe here, the use of vascularised corticoperiosteal bone grafts from the medial femoral condyle (MFC) as a solution for the difficult problem of scaphoid fracture non-union. Materials and Methods: This series has 11 patients with non-union following a scaphoid fracture treated over 18 months ranging from January 2014 to January 2016 using a vascularised corticoperiosteal graft from the MFC. Bone graft fixation was done using K-wires and anastomosis was done with the radial vessels. Results: There were no cases of flap loss. Time of union was an average 3 months. All patients had a full range of movements. Discussion: MFC is an ideal site for harvesting vascularised corticoperiosteal grafts providing a large surface of tissue supplied by a rich periosteal plexus from the descending genicular artery. No significant donor site morbidities have been reported in any series in the past. The well-defined anatomy helps in a rather simple dissection. Corticoperiosteal grafts have a high osteogenic potential and hence, this vascularised graft seems ideal for small bone non-unions. Conclusion: Thin, pliable and highly vascularised corticocancellous grafts can be obtained from the MFC as an optimal treatment option for scaphoid non-unions.

Keywords

• corticoperiosteal grafts
• medial femoral condyle
• non-union