Surgical Treatment of Non-Union of the Carpal Scaphoid by Modified Matti-Russe Technique

Kang, Chearl Hyoung; Kang, Chang Soo; Pyun, Young Sik; Song, Kwang Soon; Min, Byung Woo; Choi, Yo Han

Abstract

Although 90% of fresh carpal scaphoid fracture heals with adequate treatment, the rate of non-union is higher in untreated or misdiagnosed at the time of injury leading to carpal collapse and degenerative arthritis. We have treated these non-unions by modified Matti-Russe technique and all cases showed uneventful healing, but range of motion of the wrist joint decreased in some cases. We studied 18 patients of non-union of the carpal scaphoid treated modified Matti-Russe technique from November,1988 to December, 1992 and the results were as follows: 1. Among the 18 patients, the ratio of male and female was 16:2, and mean age was 23.0 years old. 2. Dominant hand was involved in 14 cases. 3. The fracture was most commonly situated at the waist of the scaphoid. 4. Bony union was obtained in all cases and the average time to radiological union was 18.0 weeks. 5. According to Maudsleys assessment, the results revealed as 7 cases of excellent, 9 cases of good and 2 cases of fair.