Ilizarov treatment of scaphoid nonunion

This is single centre retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients with scaphoid nonunion (SNU) treated using the Ilizarov technique without bone graft. Fifteen of the original 18 patients were available for clinical and radiological examination at a minimum follow-up of 5 years (range 5-10 years). An evaluation was made of the late functional results, satisfaction scores, residual symptoms, grip strength and the presence of radiocarpal and scaphoid degenerative changes.

The series consisted of 15 patients; 14 males; 1 female, with a mean SNU duration of 15.7 months, and a mean age of 23.6 years. Patients with carpal instability, humpback deformity, carpal collapse, avascular necrosis or marked degenerative change, were excluded from this treatment method. Following frame application the treatment consisted of three stages: distraction, compression and immobilisation. The technique is detailed herein.

Radiographic (CT) and clinical bony union was achieved in all 15 patients after a mean of 88 days (70-130 days). Mean modified Mayo wrist scores initially improved from 21 preoperatively to 86 at previous review, and were 96 at a mean follow-up of 81 months (62-120 months), with excellent results in 10, and good results seen in 5 patients. At latest review the mean grip strengths had returned to 96% of the uninjured hand, and 7 patients had regained full strength; mean wrist flexion/extension arc of motion had also continued to improve to 136° from 131°. All patients returned to their pre-injury occupations and levels of activity at a mean of 117 days. Three patients suffered superficial K-wire infections, which resolved with oral antibiotics. One patient continues to suffer intermittent mild aching in the wrist. No patient suffered loss of scaphoid height, humpback deformity, DISI instability or collapse of the regenerate bone.

In these selected patients this technique safely achieved bony union without the need to open the SNU site and without the need for bone graft. These patients also had the capacity to continually improve their wrist function beyond 3 years following their treatment.