Scaphoid reconstruction by a free vascularized osteochondral graft from the rib: a case report

Nonunion and avascular necrosis of the proximal pole of the scaphoid remain one of the most difficult problems in wrist reconstructive surgery. A number of interpositional vascularized bone grafts have been proposed for scaphoid nonunion, in order to promote faster union at the contact site with both fragments. However, once the proximal pole has undergone avascular changes and is completely necrotic, there is no alternative other than to remove it. At present, more radical operations have been advocated in these cases, such as proximal row carpectomy or intercarpal arthrodesis. We present a case where the necrotic proximal pole of the scaphoid was removed and replaced with a remodeled osteochondral-free vascularized graft from the rib based on the inferior and superior intercostal arteries, branches of the internal mammary artery.