Percutaneous treatment for waist and proximal pole scaphoid fractures

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: Analyze the percutaneous fixation technique for scaphoid fractures in the waist of the scaphoid and the proximal pole, and demonstrate its result. Methods: A retrospective cross-cohort study conducted from January 2005 to April 2015, aiming at the consolidation time, epidemiological profile, level of function, return to work, and complications. Results: Twenty-eight patients were selected, with a mean of eight weeks of follow-up. They presented a mean age of 30.5 years, male prevalence (25 patients; 89.2%), and no differences between dominant and non-dominant sides. The mean time from diagnosis was 4.16 weeks, but in three cases of fibrous union, the pre-operative period was over one year. The most frequent mechanism of injury was a fall on the outstretched hand, in 22 cases (78.5%). Of all fractures, 24 cases were in the waist (85.8%) and four were of the proximal pole (14.2%); seven patients had displacement (25%). There was consolidation in 26 cases (92.8%) with a mean of 7.5 weeks after surgery. In cases of non-union, radiological follow-up was up to 24 weeks, requiring a new surgical intervention. Conclusions: Percutaneous fixation is an excellent, reproducible technique that allows early active mobility of the wrist with a low complication rate, although it requires a learning curve.

Keywords

• Bone fractures
• Scaphoid bone
• Bone screws
• Internal fixation of fractures