Fixação do escafoide Folheto Consentimento

Esta página foi traduzida automaticamente e ainda não foi verificada por um médico. A versão em inglês é a versão oficial.

Por que esta cirurgia foi recomendada

O Dr. Kieran Hirpara, cirurgião de membros superiores no Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, adapta o tratamento à sua lesão específica. O escafoide é um osso pequeno localizado próximo à base do polegar, no lado do pulso onde fica o polegar. A fixação do escafoide consiste em imobilizar o osso fraturado com um pequeno parafuso para que ele possa cicatrizar. Geralmente, essa opção é sugerida quando a fratura se deslocou, ou quando o osso cicatriza lentamente ou não cicatriza de forma alguma.

Em geral, os pacientes são encaminhados à nossa clínica pelo médico de família; caso um fisioterapeuta tenha sugerido que você nos procurasse, ainda assim será necessário um encaminhamento do seu médico de família para que você tenha direito ao reembolso do Medicare. Na consulta, colhemos o histórico clínico, examinamos o seu pulso e solicitamos exames de imagem, se necessário. Para fraturas que não se deslocaram, geralmente tentamos primeiro o uso de gesso. Em alguns casos, a cirurgia é recomendada imediatamente; ela também é considerada quando o gesso não promove cicatrização suficiente. O objetivo é obter um pulso que cicatrize bem, tenha boa mobilidade e suporte carga sem dor.

Antes da operação

Nos dias que antecedem a cirurgia, confirmamos o plano com você e verificamos quais exames são necessários. A maioria das pessoas já fez radiografias; algumas precisarão de ressonância magnética ou ultrassonografia para que possamos visualizar a fratura claramente antes da operação. Você receberá instruções sobre o jejum: não deve ingerir alimentos nem líquidos nas sete horas anteriores ao horário da sua operação. Pedimos esse período de sete horas, em vez de um tempo menor, para que possamos adiantar sua cirurgia caso a programação da sala de operações permita. Alguns medicamentos talvez precisem ser suspensos; informaremos quais são e quando devem ser interrompidos. Traga uma lista de todos os medicamentos que toma. Organize transporte para voltar para casa, pois você não poderá dirigir. Use roupas largas e confortáveis. Caso tenha outras condições médicas, poderá ser necessário realizar exames de sangue ou uma avaliação com o anestesista.

No dia da cirurgia

Você chega à unidade de admissão cirúrgica do hospital, onde é registrado e preparado para a sala de operações. Conhece o anestesista, que avalia seu estado de saúde e responde a quaisquer últimas dúvidas. Esta cirurgia é realizada sob anestesia geral; você ficará completamente inconsciente durante o procedimento. Alguns pacientes também recebem um bloqueio nervoso regional para alívio da dor pós-operatória; a decisão é tomada pelo anestesista no próprio dia, conforme as condições individuais de cada paciente. Em seguida, você é levado à sala de operações, onde a cirurgia é realizada.

Você acorda na sala de recuperação, onde enfermeiros cuidam de você enquanto a anestesia vai passando. Seu pulso pode estar imobilizado, e você pode sentir algum desconforto à medida que a dormência desaparece. Quando seu estado estiver estável, você será encaminhado para um quarto ou poderá ir para casa no mesmo dia, dependendo do tipo de cirurgia e da evolução da recuperação. Como recebeu anestesia geral, será necessário que alguém o leve para casa, e você deve descansar pelo restante do dia.

Como é realizada a operação

Existem duas maneiras de acessar o osso fraturado; escolhemos a que melhor se adapta ao seu tipo de fratura. Para fraturas que não se deslocaram, podemos utilizar uma abordagem percutânea, na qual o parafuso é inserido através da pele sem realizar um corte formal. Já nas fraturas em que é necessário visualizar e reposicionar os fragmentos ósseos, ou quando se faz necessária a aplicação de enxerto ósseo, realizamos um único corte no punho e trabalhamos por meio dele.

Assim que conseguimos visualizar o osso, fixamos a fratura com um parafuso inserido ao longo do escafoide. Esse parafuso mantém os fragmentos fraturados pressionados uns contra os outros, impedindo seu deslocamento durante o processo de cicatrização. Nos casos de fraturas antigas, que não cicatrizaram ou que resultaram em perda óssea, aplicamos um enxerto ósseo para preencher o espaço e favorecer a recuperação. Quando o suprimento sanguíneo para o fragmento fraturado é insuficiente, optamos por um enxerto ósseo vascularizado: trata-se de um pequeno pedaço de osso com seus próprios vasos sanguíneos ainda intactos, o que garante um novo fluxo sanguíneo para a região. A escolha entre essas opções baseia-se nos resultados dos seus exames de imagem.

Por fim, fechamos a incisão com pontos de sutura. Você receberá um curativo no punho, que deverá ser mantido por cerca de 10 dias.

Após a operação

A maioria dos pacientes permanece uma noite no hospital após esta operação, embora alguns possam ir para casa no mesmo dia. Você acordará na sala de recuperação, onde os enfermeiros ficarão de olho em você enquanto o efeito da anestesia passa. O seu pulso será mantido imóvel com uma tala ou gesso, e haverá um curativo sobre o ferimento. A dor geralmente pode ser controlada com medidas simples, e nos certificaremos de que você esteja confortável antes de receber alta. Você poderá se movimentar assim que se sentir capaz, porém com cuidado durante os primeiros um ou dois dias. Por favor, providencie alguém para ficar com você nas primeiras 24 horas após chegar em casa. Deixamos o curativo por cerca de 10 dias; por favor, não o retire antes disso, a menos que lhe seja indicado. Trocamos ou retiramos o curativo quando o examinamos.

Recuperação

Nos primeiros dias, o seu pulso ficará dolorido e pode apresentar inchaço. O alívio da dor simples e o repouso geralmente resolvem isso. Manter a mão elevada enquanto está sentado ou deitado ajuda a reduzir o inchaço. O desconforto diminui progressivamente com o passar dos dias.

O seu pulso ficará imobilizado por uma tala ou gesso, portanto, inicialmente precisará de ajuda para algumas tarefas diárias. Vestir-se, cozinhar e carregar objetos com apenas uma mão exigem um pouco de planejamento. Você pode se movimentar pela casa assim que se sentir capaz, porém vá com calma nos primeiros dias. Após a retirada do curativo na consulta de acompanhamento, a fisioterapeuta de mão Ruby Doolan, da Extend Rehabilitation, orientará os exercícios e ajustará qualquer tala necessária. A terapia ocupacional ajuda o pulso a recuperar a mobilidade e a força de preensão à medida que o osso cicatriza.

Você não poderá dirigir enquanto o gesso estiver no lugar. Após a retirada do gesso e com autorização do seu cirurgião, poderá consultar nossa página sobre direção após cirurgia no membro superior. Você poderá retornar ao trabalho e a outras atividades conforme o pulso permitir, aumentando gradualmente a carga de esforço. Tarefas mais pesadas e atividades esportivas só serão possíveis após a consolidação óssea e quando a força de preensão estiver firme, sem dor.

Cada pessoa cicatriza em um ritmo diferente; seu cronograma pode variar em relação ao que descrevemos. O seu cirurgião e a terapeuta o orientarão em cada consulta, informando quando for seguro aumentar as atividades.

O que pode dar errado

A maioria dos pacientes se recupera bem, mas, ocasionalmente, podem surgir problemas. O seu cirurgião e a equipe monitoram você de perto para detectar qualquer problema precocemente.

O principal problema que observamos é a falha na consolidação óssea ou uma consolidação muito mais lenta do que o esperado. Você pode notar uma dor profunda e latejante no pulso que não melhora como seria de se esperar em uma fratura em processo de cicatrização, ou sensibilidade no mesmo local, próximo à base do polegar. Algumas pessoas sentem uma sensação de atrito ao mover o pulso ou ao exercer pressão com a mão. Se o osso não tiver se consolidado após um período razoável, isso ficará visível nas imagens de exame, e conversaremos com você sobre os próximos passos. Uma fratura que não é tratada por quatro semanas ou mais tem maior dificuldade de cicatrização; as fraturas próximas à extremidade do osso mais próxima do antebraço são as mais difíceis de tratar. É por isso que pedimos que procure atendimento imediatamente caso machuque o pulso, e por isso acompanhamos de perto o processo de cicatrização.

Caso seja necessária cirurgia para uma fratura que não consolidou, podemos utilizar um enxerto com seu próprio suprimento sanguíneo para levar sangue novo à região. Problemas decorrentes desse tipo de enxerto são raros. O principal efeito colateral a se conhecer é uma área de dormência ou formigamento na parte dorsal do pulso, do lado do polegar; na maioria dos casos, isso é temporário. Caso perceba isso, mencione-o na próxima consulta.

Se o osso não puder ser salvo, algumas pessoas passam por um procedimento no qual os fragmentos da fratura são removidos e os ossos remanescentes do pulso são unidos. Isso alivia a dor em muitas pessoas, e o resultado se mantém estável por muitos anos, sem perda de eficácia.

Se notar que a dor está piorando em vez de melhorar, se houver inchaço novo ou se o pulso não suportar carga, entre em contato com nosso consultório em vez de aguardar a próxima consulta. A tabela de complicações nesta página lista as taxas típicas, caso queira informações mais detalhadas.

Quando nos contatar

Contate-nos se a dor estiver piorando em vez de melhorar, ou se o inchaço novo não desaparecer. Contate-nos se notar vermelhidão, calor ou secreção ao redor da ferida, ou se sentir febre. Contate-nos se os dedos ou o polegar ficarem dormentes, formigarem ou empalidecerem, ou se você não conseguir movê-los. Procure atendimento de emergência se sentir dor intensa e súbita, inchaço ou dor na panturrilha, ou dificuldade para respirar. Se a tala parecer muito apertada, ou se a dor no pulso não diminuir conforme seria esperado numa fratura em processo de cicatrização, entre em contato com nosso consultório em vez de aguardar a próxima consulta.

Onde ler mais sobre a condição

Esta página trata da própria cirurgia. A condição que ela trata, incluindo o que as evidências demonstram sobre quando a cirurgia é benéfica e quando não é, é abordada com mais detalhes na página Fratura do Escafóide.


Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

  • Fractures of the carpus other than the scaphoid are frequently missed on initial presentation [1].
  • Diagnosis of carpal fractures other than the scaphoid requires a high index of suspicion [1].
  • Diagnosis of carpal fractures other than the scaphoid requires tailored imaging [1].
  • The specific indications for percutaneous screw fixation of nondisplaced scaphoid fractures must be determined in larger randomized, prospective studies [2].
  • The risks and benefits of percutaneous screw fixation of nondisplaced scaphoid fractures must be determined in larger randomized, prospective studies [2].
  • A technique described for avoiding overlong screws is applicable to any situation where the exact screw length is of critical importance [3].
  • The complex scaphoid anatomy with its waist might alter the strategy of fracture fixation [4].
  • The complex scaphoid anatomy with its waist might alter the strategy of fracture education and research [4].
  • In a series of 24 patients with acute scaphoid fractures undergoing arthroscopically assisted reduction and percutaneous fixation, 15 presented with associated ligamentous and/or chondral/osteochondral injuries [5].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

Bony Anatomy

  • The scaphoid is a small, irregular S-shaped tubular bone located in the proximal carpal row on the radial aspect of the wrist [22].
  • The scaphoid lies entirely within the wrist joint at a 45-degree plane to the longitudinal and horizontal axis of the wrist [22].
  • The scaphoid articulates with the trapezium and trapezoid on its distal surface, the radius on its proximal/lateral surface, and the capitate and lunate on its medial surface [22].
  • The proximal articular surface of the scaphoid is convex and articulates with the radius [22].
  • The capitate head articulates with a sulcus on the radial articular surface of the scaphoid, providing a socket-like fit [22].
  • The distal pole of the scaphoid sits ulnarly angulated relative to the proximal pole due to gentle pronation and flexion [22].
  • The distal articular surface of the scaphoid contains two distinct facets for the trapezium and trapezoid, forming the STT joint [22].
  • Over 80% of the scaphoid surface is covered with articular cartilage [22].
  • The scaphoid is ridged across its nonarticular dorsoradial surface, which serves as the insertion point for the dorsal component of the scapholunate and intercarpal ligaments [22].
  • The complex anatomy of the scaphoid waist may alter the strategy of fracture fixation, education, and research [4].

Vascular Supply

  • The blood supply of the scaphoid arises from two vascular pedicles originating from the scaphoid branches of the radial artery [22].
  • The dorsal branch enters via foramina along the spiral groove and dorsal ridge, supplying 70% to 80% of the scaphoid proximally, including the proximal pole [22].
  • The volar branch enters via the scaphoid tubercle and supplies the remaining 20% to 30% of the distal scaphoid [22].
  • The waist of the scaphoid has minimal or no perforating vasculature [22].
  • No vessels perforate the proximal dorsal cartilaginous area or through the scapholunate ligament [22].
  • Only 67% of scaphoid bones have arterial foramina throughout their length, including the distal, middle, and proximal thirds [27].
  • 13% of scaphoid bones have blood supply predominantly in the distal third [27].
  • 20% of scaphoid bones have most arterial foramina in the waist area with no more than a single foramen near the proximal third [27].
  • One third of scaphoid fractures occurring in the proximal third may be without adequate blood supply [27].
  • The prevalence of osteonecrosis can be 35% in fractures at the proximal pole level [27].

Ligaments and Kinematics

  • The radioscapocapitate ligament does not attach to the bone itself but crosses the waist, acting as a sling that allows rotation [22].
  • The RSC ligament acts as a fulcrum over which the scaphoid waist fractures [14].
  • There are no tendon attachments to the scaphoid [22].
  • The scaphoid acts as a midcarpal joint "bridge" linking and synchronizing the motions of the proximal and distal carpal rows as part of the key intercalated segment [22].
  • Motion of the scaphoid includes rotation proximally and gliding distally, while providing stability to the midcarpal joint [22].
  • The normal intrascaphoid angle is 24 degrees [33].

Pathophysiology of Injury

  • Scaphoid fractures are caused by a fall on the outstretched palm, resulting in severe hyperextension and slight radial deviation of the wrist [27].
  • Hyperextension past 95 degrees is the usual position of injury for scaphoid fractures [33].
  • With the hyperextension mechanism, a fracture usually begins at the volar waist with tensile failure, propagating to the dorsal surface with compression loading until failure occurs [33].
  • The scaphoid usually fractures on tension at the radial-palmar side [27].
  • During injury, the proximal pole locks in the scaphoid fossa of the radius while the distal pole moves excessively dorsal [27].
  • 60% to 80% of scaphoid fractures occur at the scaphoid waist or midportion [27].
  • Snuffbox tenderness applies predominantly to waist fractures, which represent 70% of scaphoid fractures [14].
  • Proximal pole fractures represent 20% of scaphoid fractures [14].
  • Distal pole fractures represent 10% of scaphoid fractures [14].
  • 17% of patients with scaphoid fractures have other fractures of the carpus and forearm, including transscaphoid perilunar dislocations, trapezium fractures, Bennett fractures, radial head fractures, lunate dislocations, and distal radius fractures [27].
  • Proximal scaphoid fractures result from dorsal subluxation during forced hyperextension [33].
  • Carpal dislocations and scapholunate ligament tears are reproduced with wrist extension and ulnar deviation combined with intercarpal supination [33].
  • 15 of 24 patients with acute scaphoid fractures presented with associated ligamentous and/or chondral/osteochondral injuries [5].

Healing Potential and Nonunion

  • The reduced capacity for periosteal healing due to extensive articular cartilage coverage increases the tendency for delayed union and nonunion [22].
  • Proximal fractures are associated with at least temporary disruption of the interosseous blood supply to the proximal pole [22].
  • Fractures in the proximal pole take longer to heal and usually have higher rates of nonunion [27].
  • Nonunion occurs in 10% to 15% of all scaphoid fractures [33].
  • The risk of nonunion increases with delay of treatment for more than 4 weeks [33].
  • The risk of nonunion increases with proximal pole fractures [33].
  • The risk of nonunion increases with fracture displacement greater than 1 mm [33].
  • The risk of nonunion increases with osteonecrosis [33].
  • The risk of nonunion increases with tobacco use [33].
  • The risk of nonunion increases with associated carpal instability, specifically dorsal intercalated segmental instability (DISI) with a scapholunate angle >60 degrees and a capitolunate angle >15 degrees [33].
  • Nonunion rates for nondisplaced waist fractures treated with casting are 5% to 12% [33].
  • Nonunion rates for displaced scaphoid fractures treated nonoperatively reach 50% [33].
  • Untreated displaced waist fractures angulate as the volar bone is reabsorbed, yielding a "humpback" flexion deformity [33].
  • The resultant radial column shortening and extension of the proximal scaphoid pole releases the lunate to rotate into DISI under the influence of the attached triquetrum [33].
  • Untreated scaphoid nonunion predictably progresses to arthritic change termed scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) [33].
  • Arthritic change in SNAC arises at the radial styloid articulation with the distal scaphoid pole (stage I), followed by degeneration of the scaphocapitate joint (stage II), and ultimately the midcarpal joint (stage III) [33].
  • Arthritic changes have been found in 97% of patients assessed at least 5 years after injury, with the degree of change proportionate to the duration of nonunion [33].
  • In a 30-year follow-up review, 10% of patients with scaphoid fractures treated with thumb spica short-arm casts developed nonunion [33].
  • Of those who developed nonunion, 60% demonstrated radiographic evidence of radiocarpal osteoarthritis, while only 2% of the healed group demonstrated degenerative change [33].

Classification

  • Fractures of the carpus other than the scaphoid are frequently missed on initial presentation and require a high index of suspicion with tailored imaging for diagnosis [1].
  • The complex scaphoid anatomy with its waist might alter the strategy of fracture fixation, education and research [4].
  • In a series of 24 patients with acute scaphoid fractures, 15 presented with associated ligamentous and/or chondral/osteochondral injuries [5].

Clinical Presentation

History and Mechanism

  • Patients classically present with wrist pain following a fall onto the outstretched hand, with almost 90% recalling a hyperextension injury [35].
  • The usual mechanism of injury is forced hyperextension of the wrist [15].
  • There is usually a history of trauma, such as falling on an outstretched hand, collision of the wrist against a person or heavy obstacle, or possibly a direct blow against an object [14].
  • Patients present with a history of hyperextension to the wrist, often following a fall, sports, or punch injury [35].
  • It is important to determine a history of previous trauma to the scaphoid and not treat a nonunion as if it is an acute fracture [35].
  • In chronic injuries, athletes may complain of an inability to perform a push-up [39].

Physical Examination Findings

  • The patient usually presents with pain on the radial side of the wrist [14].
  • There may be swelling on the radial side as well [14].
  • There may be limited range of motion and pain when applying extended wrist loading or positioning the wrist in extreme positions of flexion or extension [14].
  • Wrists with acute fractures may have swelling and bruising in the radial aspect of the wrist [14].
  • Wrists with chronic injury may have swelling in the dorsoradial wrist [14].
  • Generally, pain, swelling, ecchymosis, and tenderness around the region of the scaphoid may be present in the acute phase [35].
  • There may be slight fullness in the anatomical snuffbox [15].
  • Precisely localized tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox is an important diagnostic sign [15].
  • "Snuffbox tenderness" has become synonymous with scaphoid fracture, but this applies predominantly to waist fractures, which represent 70% of scaphoid fractures [14].
  • The second most common type of scaphoid fracture is a proximal pole fracture, at 20% [14].
  • The least common is a distal pole fracture, at 10% [14].
  • Fractures tend to occur at the waist partly because the RSC ligament acts as a fulcrum over which the scaphoid waist fractures [14].
  • The full physical examination of the scaphoid bone should include all of its parts: the waist, distal pole, and proximal pole [14].
  • To palpate the anatomic snuffbox for the waist examination, palpate just distal to the radial styloid in the “soft spot” [14].
  • The distal pole should be palpated at the scaphoid tubercle on the palmar aspect of the wrist [14].
  • To palpate the distal pole, place the index finger in the anatomic snuffbox and place the thumb on the palmar aspect just distal to the anatomic snuffbox [14].
  • With radial deviation of the wrist, the prominent bone palpated at the scaphoid tubercle should move palmarly toward the examiner’s thumb [14].
  • The proximal pole is palpated dorsally in line with the second ray just distal to the dorsal radius lip [14].
  • The scapholunate ligament is in line between the second and third rays just distal to the dorsal radius lip and corresponds to the 3-4 wrist arthroscopy portal [14].
  • The proximal pole is just radial to the scapholunate ligament/3-4 portal area [14].
  • Pain on longitudinal compression of the thumb (scaphoid axial compression test) is also a sign of scaphoid fracture [14].
  • Examination must include pressure backwards over the scaphoid tubercle, palpation over the proximal pole, and telescoping of the thumb base [15].
  • If any of the signs of snuffbox tenderness, scaphoid tubercle pressure, proximal pole palpation, or thumb telescoping are positive, the suspicion for a scaphoid fracture should be high [15].
  • Pain and swelling can be subtle in the anatomic snuffbox and often these fractures present late [38].
  • Evaluation for scaphoid fracture includes physical examination, examining for pain in the anatomic snuffbox or over the scaphoid tubercle [38].
  • On physical examination, tenderness over the anatomic snuffbox or pain with resisted pronation prevents the surgeon from ruling out a scaphoid fracture [39].

Diagnostic Performance of Clinical Signs

  • If all three tests of anatomic snuffbox tenderness, scaphoid tubercle tenderness, and scaphoid axial compression test are positive, there is 87% to 100% sensitivity and 74% specificity for scaphoid fracture [14].
  • Anatomical snuffbox tenderness has a sensitivity of 87–100% and a specificity of 3–98% [35].
  • Axial compression of the thumb has a sensitivity of 48–100% and a specificity of 22–97% [35].
  • Scaphoid tubercle tenderness has a sensitivity of 82–100% and a specificity of 17–57% [35].
  • Pain on ulnar deviation has a sensitivity of 67–100% and a specificity of 17–60% [35].
  • Pain on radial deviation has a sensitivity of 67–90% and a specificity of 31–42% [35].
  • Reduced range of movement of the thumb has a sensitivity of 65–66% and a specificity of 38–59% [35].
  • Thumb–index finger pinch has a sensitivity of 75–79% and a specificity of 44–76% [35].
  • No single sign has been found to be adequately sensitive or specific for scaphoid fracture [35].
  • ASB tenderness is oversensitive and has poor specificity [35].
  • In a study of 246 patients with a suspected fracture of the scaphoid, ASB tenderness was found to have a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 40% [35].
  • In the same study of 246 patients, scaphoid tubercle tenderness had a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 57% [35].
  • In a prospective analysis of 73 patients with a suspected scaphoid fracture, the negative predictive value (NPV) of ASB pain on ulnar deviation of the pronated wrist was 100% [35].
  • Patients with a negative test for ASB pain on ulnar deviation of the pronated wrist could be safely discharged at presentation as they did not have a scaphoid fracture [35].
  • The use of one clinical sign in isolation was insufficient for the diagnosis of a fracture [35].
  • A combination of ASB tenderness, scaphoid tubercle tenderness, and ASB pain on longitudinal compression of the thumb generated a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 74% [35].
  • The combination of ASB tenderness, scaphoid tubercle tenderness, and ASB pain on longitudinal compression of the thumb was valid only for the first 24 hours after injury [35].
  • Pain on thumb–index finger pinch and ASB pain on pronation of the forearm were most suggestive of a true scaphoid fracture [35].
  • The best predictors of fracture within 72 hours of injury were the absence of pain on ulnar deviation of the wrist and pain on thumb–index finger pinch [35].
  • Scaphoid tubercle tenderness was most predictive at week 2 [35].
  • A clinical scaphoid score (CSS) uses three clinical tests: tenderness in the ASB with the wrist in ulnar deviation (3 points), tenderness over the scaphoid tubercle (2 points), and pain upon longitudinal compression of the thumb (1 point) [35].
  • Patients with a CSS of 4 or higher require an MRI [35].

Occult Fractures and Initial Assessment

  • Up to 30% to 40% of scaphoid fractures are not identified on initial assessment and investigation with standard four-view radiographs and are thus classified as having a suspected fracture [35].
  • Patients who are subsequently found to have a fracture confirmed on repeated assessment and radiologic imaging, most frequently at 10 to 14 days after injury, are said to have had an occult fracture of the scaphoid [35].
  • In these cases, the treating surgeon must balance employing immobilization and restriction of activities in a predominantly young and active population against the risks of nonunion and arthrosis associated with an undiagnosed and untreated scaphoid fracture [35].
  • Radiographs are often negative at initial presentation approximately 25% of the time [39].
  • Any history of wrist trauma and tenderness or decreased range of motion should increase suspicion [39].

Investigations

Clinical Examination

  • Patients with scaphoid fractures usually present with pain on the radial side of the wrist and a history of trauma such as falling on an outstretched hand [14].
  • Acute scaphoid fractures may present with swelling and bruising in the radial aspect of the wrist, while chronic injuries may present with swelling in the dorsoradial wrist [14].
  • Snuffbox tenderness is predominantly associated with waist fractures, which represent 70% of scaphoid fractures [14].
  • Proximal pole fractures account for 20% of scaphoid fractures, and distal pole fractures account for 10% [14].
  • The physical examination for scaphoid fracture includes palpation of the anatomic snuffbox, the scaphoid tubercle, and the proximal pole [14].
  • Pain on longitudinal compression of the thumb (scaphoid axial compression test) is a sign of scaphoid fracture [14].
  • If anatomic snuffbox tenderness, scaphoid tubercle tenderness, and the scaphoid axial compression test are all positive, the sensitivity for scaphoid fracture is 87% to 100% and the specificity is 74% [14].
  • Slight fullness in the anatomical snuffbox with precisely localized tenderness is an important diagnostic sign for scaphoid fracture [15].
  • The clinical examination for scaphoid fracture must include pressure backwards over the scaphoid tubercle, palpation over the proximal pole, and telescoping of the thumb base [15].
  • Dorsal swelling of the wrist, tenderness in the anatomic snuffbox, and painful dorsiflexion of the wrist or extension of the thumb are common clinical signs of scaphoid fracture [30].

Imaging

  • Standard X-rays for scaphoid fracture evaluation should include AP, lateral, and two oblique views [15].
  • Scaphoid fractures may not be visible on initial X-rays in the first few days after injury but usually become clearer two weeks later due to bone resorption and slight displacement [15].
  • CT scans are more sensitive than plain radiography for diagnosing scaphoid fractures and are useful for confirming fragment alignment if surgery is planned or confirming union [15].
  • MRI is the definitive method to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of scaphoid fracture if the technique is available [15].
  • Plain radiography is approximately 50% sensitive for the detection of a scaphoid fracture [30].
  • If a scaphoid fracture is suggested but radiographs are negative, up to 30% of patients may have positive follow-up radiographs at 2 weeks [30].
  • MRI is more sensitive than CT for making the diagnosis of scaphoid fracture [30].
  • A normal MRI study as early as 2 days after injury has a negative predictive value of 100% for scaphoid fracture [30].
  • CT or MRI may be required to see lunate fractures that are difficult to detect on plain radiography [25].
  • CT oriented in the longitudinal axis of the scaphoid with 1-mm cuts can be helpful to evaluate for bridging trabeculae when healing cannot be determined with certainty by standard radiographic examination [16].
  • Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging can be helpful as an adjunct to standard x-rays to evaluate the cartilage of the radiolunate joint and confirm the SLAC stage [31].
  • The diagnosis of osteonecrosis in scaphoid nonunion can be challenging because of the limited sensitivity of imaging modalities, including contrast-enhanced MRI [32].
  • The presence of large cavitary lesions or cysts with bone resorption around the midwaist to proximal pole suggests that the bone has a compromised blood supply [32].
  • A comparison of the carpal height to that of the contralateral wrist allows the extent of collapse and scaphoid shortening to be estimated [32].

Treatment

  • The specific indications for and the risks and benefits of percutaneous screw fixation of nondisplaced scaphoid fractures must be determined in larger randomized, prospective studies [2].
  • A described technique is applicable to any situation where the exact screw length is of critical importance [3].
  • In a series of 24 patients with acute scaphoid fractures, 15 presented with associated ligamentous and/or chondral/osteochondral injuries during arthroscopically assisted reduction and percutaneous fixation [5].
  • Arthroscopic treatment of a juvenile tillaux fracture is technically feasible, allows accurate reconstruction of the weight bearing surface of the joint, and enables secure internal fixation of the fracture [6].
  • Regardless of fixation strategy, posterior ring reduction and stabilization is crucial for anterior pelvic ring injuries [7].
  • Percutaneous screw fixation for acetabular fractures with quadrilateral plate involvement using three-dimensional fluoroscopy navigation is clinically feasible, allowing the quadrilateral plate to be anchored by percutaneous screws and enabling some degree of fracture gap reduction [8].
  • The intrinsic instability of hexapod external fixation devices leads to higher shear forces which may cause failure, delayed union, or pseudarthrosis [9].
  • Immediate exploration is proposed for open fractures, irreducible fractures, unacceptable reduction, associated vascular injuries, radial nerve palsy after manipulation, or intractable neurogenic pain in the context of humerus shaft fracture [10].
  • A small clamp has been devised to maintain the reduction of bone fragments whilst they are being fixed [11].
  • Parallel placement of 2 plates in the sagittal plane is as strong or stronger than the 90°/90° orientation for distal humeral fracture fixation [17].
  • Linking plates together through the bone offers the greatest biomechanical stability for comminuted distal humeral fractures [17].
  • A standard modified Henry approach was performed to expose the malunion of the distal radius in a patient-specific ramp-guide technique for opening-wedge osteotomies [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, K-wires were used to define proximal screw hole positions after applying a pre-reduction guide [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, less than half of the planned osteotomy was performed without losing the connection and position of the distal fragment [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, a ramp-guide was fixed proximally using K-wires to guarantee accurate guide position [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, a plate was latched on the ramp in the negative footprint and temporarily fixated with a cortical screw [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, drilling was performed using conventional angular-stable sleeves and the plate was attached to the distal fragment with locking screws [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, the ramp-guide was detached from the plate after losing the ramp-screw and removal in the proximal direction to complete the osteotomy [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, reduction of the plate was performed with the fixated distal fragment in the pre-defined proximal screw holes on the shaft [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, fluoroscopy was used to verify reduction and screw lengths prior to wound closure [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, a volar splint was applied on the wrist post wound closure [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, a two-week postoperative clinical control was scheduled with suture removal [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, aftercare was conducted with immobilization in a splint and functional treatment provided by a hand therapist for the first eight weeks [41].
  • The clinical results of local anaesthesia in the reduction of Colles' fracture should make an interesting and useful study [44].

Complications

  • In a series of 24 patients with acute scaphoid fractures undergoing arthroscopically assisted reduction and percutaneous fixation, 15 patients presented with associated ligamentous and/or chondral/osteochondral injuries [5].
  • The complex anatomy of the scaphoid waist may alter the strategy of fracture fixation [4].

Recovery

  • The technique described for avoiding overlong screws is applicable to any situation where the exact screw length is of critical importance [3].

Key Evidence

  • [L5] Fractures of the carpus other than the scaphoid are frequently missed on initial presentation and require a high index of suspicion with tailored imaging for diagnosis. [1] (10.5435/jaaos-d-20-00062)
  • [L1] The specific indications for and the risks and benefits of percutaneous screw fixation of such fractures must be determined in larger randomized, prospective studies. [2] (10.2106/00004623-200104000-00001)
  • [L5] The technique described is applicable to any situation where the exact screw length is of critical importance. [3] (10.1016/0020-1383(96)00024-1)
  • [L4] The complex scaphoid anatomy with its waist might alter the strategy of fracture fixation, education and research. [4] (10.1186/s13018-021-02330-8)
  • [L4] In this series, 15 of 24 patients with acute scaphoid fractures presented with associated ligamentous and/or chondral/osteochondral injuries. [5] (10.1016/j.arthro.2008.01.003)
  • [L4] The procedure is technically feasible, allows accurate reconstruction of the weight bearing surface of the joint and secure internal fixation of the fracture. [6] (10.1007/s00167-006-0234-3)
  • [L4] Regardless of fixation strategy, posterior ring reduction and stabilization is crucial. [7] (10.5435/jaaos-d-17-00839)
  • [L4] The technique was clinically feasible, allowing the quadrilateral plate to be anchored by percutaneous screws and enabling some degree of fracture gap reduction. [8] (10.1016/j.injury.2011.08.002)
  • [L5] The intrinsic instability of hexapod devices leads to higher shear forces which may cause failure, delayed union, or pseudarthrosis; new biomechanical studies are necessary to compare device modifications to reduce complications. [9] (10.1016/j.injury.2019.08.028)
  • [Paper] Immediate exploration is proposed for open fractures, irreducible fractures, unacceptable reduction, associated vascular injuries, radial nerve palsy after manipulation, or intractable neurogenic pain. [10] (10.1016/j.injury.2013.01.004)
  • [Paper] A small clamp has been devised to maintain the reduction of bone fragments whilst they are being fixed. [11] (10.1016/s0020-1383(79)80085-6)
  • [L5] Parallel placement of 2 plates in the sagittal plane is as strong or stronger than the 90°/90° orientation, and linking the plates together through the bone offers the greatest biomechanical stability for comminuted distal humeral fractures. [17] (10.1016/j.jse.2004.09.033)
  • [L3] [41] (10.1186/s12891-018-2279-0)
  • [Paper] The clinical results of the Local anaesthesia in the reduction of Colles' fracture should make an interesting and useful study. [44] (10.1016/s0020-1383(73)80021-x)

References

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[2] Percutaneous Screw Fixation or Cast Immobilization for Nondisplaced Scaphoid Fractures. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery-American Volume. 2001. DOI: 10.2106/00004623-200104000-00001

[3] How to avoid overlong screws. Injury. 1996. DOI: 10.1016/0020-1383(96)00024-1

[4] 3D computational anatomy of the scaphoid and its waist for use in fracture treatment. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2021. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-021-02330-8

[5] Incidence of Ligamentous and Other Injuries Associated With Scaphoid Fractures During Arthroscopically Assisted Reduction and Percutaneous Fixation. Arthroscopy. 2008. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2008.01.003

[6] Arthroscopic treatment of a juvenile tillaux fracture. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2006. DOI: 10.1007/s00167-006-0234-3

[7] Fixation of Anterior Pelvic Ring Injuries. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2019. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-17-00839

[8] Percutaneous screw fixation for the acetabular fracture with quadrilateral plate involved by three-dimensional fluoroscopy navigation: Surgical technique. Injury. 2012. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2011.08.002

[9] External fixation of the lower extremities: Constantly striving for the best results. Injury. 2019. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2019.08.028

[10] Approach to radial nerve palsy caused by humerus shaft fracture: Is primary exploration necessary?. Injury. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2013.01.004

[11] Bone fragment clamp. Injury. 1979. DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(79)80085-6

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[33] Green S Operative Hand Surgery. Biomechanics of Scaphoid Fractures and Implications of Nonunion.

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[38] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 13 Ebook Without Multimedia. Pediatric Forearm, Wrist, and Hand Trauma > Scaphoid Fractures.

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[41] Improving accuracy of opening-wedge osteotomies of distal radius using a patient-specific ramp-guide technique. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2018. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-018-2279-0

[44] From Mr. J. C. Scott. Injury. 1973. DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(73)80021-x