Scaphoid fractures: dorsal versus volar approach

Twenty-six patients with scaphoid fractures were treated with internal fixation using a cannulated differential pitch compression screw. Sixteen patients underwent a dorsal approach (group 1) 10 patients a volar approach (group 2). Average time from injury to surgery was 6.6 months (range: 0.3-19 months) for group 1 and 8.3 months (range: 0.3-24 months) for group 2. The rate of union, determined by radiographs and clinical examination, was 81% in group 1 and 80% in group 2. No significant differences were noted between the groups for dorsiflexion/palmar flexion, radial deviation, grip strength, and pain level.