[Persistent scaphoid pseudarthrosis after surgical treatment: results of repeated bone transplantation]

From 1984 to 1993, 30 patients with persistent scaphoid non-union despite bone grafting procedures underwent additional reconstructive surgery. Twenty-five patients were followed-up between one and eleven years after revision with a mean follow-up time of 4.8 years. Fifteen patients had bone graft procedures alone, ten patients had additional internal fixation with the Herbert screw or Ender plate. At follow-up, scaphoid union was achieved in 16 patients (64%), 19 patients had arthritic changes of the radiocarpal joint. Only patients with scaphoid union showed satisfactory functional results. Five patients with failed revision surgery needed further operations for chronic wrist pain, including three wrist arthrodeses.