Functional outcome following the treatment of scaphoid nonunion: a brief report

Scaphoid nonunion remains a challenging problem for hand surgeons. In this study، we assessed the functional outcome of scaphoid nonunion treatment and the influence of a number of variables on it.

In this study we recruited 24 patients with scaphiod nonunion by consecutive sampling at Dr. Ali Shariati Teaching Hospital، in Tehran، Iran in 2008-2011. We examined the patients by antero-posterior (AP) and lateral view radiographies and wrist MRIs. Functional outcome of surgery was scaled according to Mayo wrist and Quick DASH scoring systems.

Among 10 cases with osteonecrosis، there were 7 (70%) cases of radiological union. In 13 (92%) out of 14 cases who had no signs of osteonecrosis، we radiologically confirmed scaphoid union after the treatment. The total union rate was estimated to be 83% at the end of 24 months follow up (P<0. 05).

The results showed that patients with scaphoid nonunion have improved function after surgical treatment.