TREATMENT OF UNUNITED FRACTURES OF THE CARPAL SCAPHOID BY ILIAC BONE-GRAFTS AND HERBERT SCREW FIXATION

Internal fixation with a Herbert screw was used to treat 70 ununited fractures of the carpal scaphoid. Bone grafts were utilised in all cases of nonunion (56) and in 10 out of 14 with delayed union. The results were assessed at a mean time of 13 months. Definite radiographic union was achieved in 90% of patients after a mean period of postoperative immobilisation of 5.4 weeks. Although the rate of union was basically the same as in Russe's series, the final functional results were better than those obtained by using his technique. The use of an image intensifier is essential to avoid technical problems.