Avascular necrosis of the scaphoid treated by total excision and radial advancement osteotomy

Total scaphoid excision and radial advancement osteotomy has been investigated in a cadaveric and clinical study. In three below-elbow fresh amputation specimens, the technique was utilized and stability was checked by radiographs. Instability on ulnar deviation was prevented by extensor carpi radialis longus tenodesis. Four patients were treated in this way. The wrist was immobilized in a below-elbow splint for 45 days, then active motion was encouraged. After 10 months, three patients had excellent results and one patient had good result using the criteria of Cooney et al (1987).