Scaphoid nonunion fracture and results of the modified Matti-Russe technique

The best treatment for scaphoid nonunion fractures is still controversial. The main aim of this study was to determine the results of the modified Matti-Russe method of surgery on scaphoid nonunion.

In this prospective interventional study, 30 patients with nonunion scaphoid fracture recruited from clinics of the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences between October 2007 and March 2011 underwent the modified Matti-Russe method of surgery. Union rate was evaluated four and six months after the procedure. Mayo wrist score (MWS) was calculated for the subjects six months after surgery.

Mean age of the subjects was 25.9 ± 7.8 years, ranging from 16 to 35 years. Twenty-seven (90%) were men, and three (10%) were women. Four and six months after surgery, 10 (33%) and 26 (86.7%) subjects had a united fracture. Mean MWS was 75.0 ± 8.8 in all the subjects, ranging from 54 to 90 six months after surgery. Three subjects (10%) were grouped as excellent, 9 (30%) good, 16 (53.3%) satisfactory, and 3 (6.7%) poor.

A fracture or nonunion of the scaphoid bone can be a complex and troubling injury, but the modified Matti-Russe method showed satisfactory results six months after surgery.