A Treatment of Carpal Scaphoid Fracture

Hong, Ki Do; Ha, Sung Sik; Park, Sang Weon

Abstract

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical result of treatment of scaphoid fractures
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From January 1994 to December 1998, we reviewed 25 carpal scaphoid fractures. Conservative treatment was performed in non-displaced, acute fractures and operative treatment was performed in others. RESULT: Bony union takes average 13.6weeks of all cases and no statistical difference was seen between conservative treatment group(average : 12.7weeks) and operative treatment group(average : 14.1weeks). The complications were seen in 6 cases(24%), which were non-union in one case among the conservative treatment group, and non-union in one case, osteoarthritis in 3 cases and reflex sympathetic dystrophy in one case among the operative treatment group. Satisfactory results were 17(68%) of 25 cases by Maudsley's method. No statistical difference was seen between conservative treatment group(satisfactory results:78%) and operative treatment group(satisfactory results:63%)(p>0.05), but statistical difference was seen between acute fracture group(satisfactory result:81%) and others(satisfactory results:44%)(p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
More satisfactory result was seen in acute fracture group than in subacute and old fracture group, therefore we think early diagnosis has important role in result of treatment of scaphoid fracture. Also we think conservative treatment is preferable to non-displaced, acute fracture and operative treatment is preferable to others.