Purpose
With advances in tools and techniques, percutaneous screw fixation of nondisplaced
fractures of the scaphoid waist has gained increasing popularity in recent years as
an alternative to prolonged cast immobilization or open reduction and internal fixation.
Many reports cite low complication rates, including no complications in some series.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the complications encountered with dorsal
percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of nondisplaced scaphoid waist fractures.
Methods
A retrospective chart review was performed for 24 patients who had surgery performed
by a single surgeon over a 5-year period. All cases involved dorsal percutaneous cannulated
screw fixation of nondisplaced (<1 mm) fractures of the scaphoid waist. Complications
were rated a priori as major or minor based on modifications of established criteria.
Results
The overall complication rate was 29%; there were 21% (5/24) major complications and
8% (2/24) minor complications. Major complications consisted of 1 case of nonunion,
3 cases involving hardware problems, and 1 case of postoperative fracture of the proximal
pole of the scaphoid. Minor complications included intraoperative equipment breakage—1
case involving a screw and 1 case involving a guide wire.
Conclusions
Complications in dorsal percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of scaphoid fractures
may be more common than previously reported.
Type of study/level of evidence
Therapeutic IV.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
April 11,
2007
Received:
December 5,
2006
Footnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
The authors would like to thank Laura McCoy, Jean Godwin, and Cathy Wells for their assistance with this research project.
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
