Use of biomaterials in scaphoid fracture fixation, a systematic review

Background: Scaphoid fractures account for 60-70% carpal injury. Due to limited vascular supply achieving adequate reduction and healing is important to avoid complications including avascular necrosis. Recent technological advances have led to renewed vigour in bioabsorbable material research to develop devices which could be used without the need for removal and complications including stress shielding and suboptimal imaging. Methods: A systematic search of databases including PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Google Scholar databases was made to identify studies related to the use of bioabsorbable materials in scaphoid fixation and postoperative patient outcomes. PRISMA guidelines were utilised for this review. Findings: Initial search results yielded 852 studies. 124 studies were screened, with 79 patients across 7 studies included in this review. Poly-L-Lactic acid derivatives were the most common biomaterial for scaphoid fixation, with magnesium and polyglycolide also used. Levels of evidence for studies ranged between III-IV. Analysis demonstrated mixed findings with generally comparable outcomes to conventional alloy-based screws. Interpretation: Development in bioabsorbable materials is ongoing, however there remains a dearth in data regarding their use in the scaphoid. Further research is needed to establish the efficacy and applicability of bioabsorbable devices in the scaphoid bone.