A modified Matti-Russe technique of grafting scaphoid non-unions

In treatment of scaphoid non-union bone healing requires beside vital tissue and stability, enduring compression and a good interface between the graft and scaphoid fragments. While fixation techniques show a good primary stability, they reduce sintering and thus compression of fragments in the long term. Therefore, a modified technique optimising the cancellous interface between graft and scaphoid but still providing enough stability without fixating implants should be evaluated.

A corticocancellous bone graft from iliac crest was shaped ellipsoid and was implanted in a modified Matti-Russe press fit-technique. Thereby the cancellous side contacts the scaphoid fragments. In a retrospective design, we reviewed 52 patients with documented non-unions of the scaphoid. The average length of follow-up was 8.6 months. Range-of-motion, pain and grip-strength was measured and compared with contralateral wrist. Radiological assessment included beside X-rays CT scans. Results were further measured by DASH score and Mayo wrist score.

The average postoperative pain was 0.9 based on NRS-Score. The mean range-of-motion was satisfactory with a dorsal-palmar arch of 115.3°, radial-ulnar: 48.2° and pro-supination: 171.3°. Mayo Wrist Score showed with 91.2 out of 100 an excellent result. The analysis of DASH score revealed a mild subjective constriction (9.2/100). Regarding roentgenographic findings complete union was confirmed in 44 of the 52 patients (84.6%). Patients with non-union were significantly older than patients with union (p < 0.05). Grip-strength on average was equal to that of the uninjured hand although in failure cases a slightly reduced grip-strength was seen.

The modified technique of Matti-Russe provided a good contact of the cancellous part of the bone graft to the scaphoid in grafting a scaphoid pseudarthrosis with a high healing rate. However, since age, previous failed surgery and a proximal fracture line are the most important handicaps for bone healing in this study, for patients at risk gadolinium-enhanced MRI scan could be helpful to estimate vascularisation preoperatively. In cases of poor vitality, vascularised bone grafting should be considered.