舟骨固定术 资料 知情同意
为何建议进行此手术
本页面反映了罗克汉普顿 Mater 私人医院上肢外科医生 Kieran Hirpara 博士在诊所中对此类情况的处理方式。我们建议进行舟骨固定术,以固定断裂的腕骨,使其能够愈合。当骨折发生移位或不稳定时,通常会提供此手术。对于近极骨折,由于血液供应较差且自行愈合的可能性较低,也可能建议进行手术。
对于稳定的骨折,我们通常首先尝试非手术治疗,包括夹板固定和休息。当这些措施未能带来足够改善,或骨折情况复杂时,则进行手术。在我们的临床实践中,我们会对发生移位的骨折或伴有明显畸形的骨折考虑手术治疗。此手术的主要益处是恢复腕关节的稳定性和功能。其目的是减轻疼痛,并预防长期并发症,如骨不连。对于在 28 天内治疗的急性骨折,骨不连发生率为 5%。如果治疗延迟超过 28 天,该发生率将增加至 28%。我们会与您讨论这些数据,以帮助您决定针对您的具体损伤是否适合进行手术。
手术前
请在手术前禁食六小时。仅在您的外科医生给出具体指示后,才停止服用某些药物。安排回家交通,并携带您目前服用的药物清单。穿着舒适的衣物。您可能需要接受X光、MRI扫描、血液检查或麻醉评估。这些检查有助于我们清晰观察骨折情况,并确保您适合接受手术。如果X光结果不明确,MRI是确认诊断最敏感的方法。您的外科医生将指导您完成每一步骤,使您在手术当天感到准备充分且充满信心。
手术当天
您将抵达医院办理入院手续。我们的团队将指导您完成登记流程。您将在手术前与麻醉师会面。本手术将在全身麻醉下进行。手术期间您将完全处于睡眠状态。部分患者可能还会接受区域神经阻滞以缓解术后疼痛——麻醉师会根据您的具体情况在手术当天决定。
随后,我们将带您进入手术室。您的外科医生将通过开放入路进行手术,即在手术部位做一个传统的单一切口;或通过经皮入路进行手术——即在不作正式切口的情况下经皮肤进行固定。手术完成后,您将在复苏室苏醒。我们的医护人员将密切监测您的舒适度及生命体征。您将休息,直至准备回家或进入下一步治疗。
手术过程
您的外科医生将采用经皮入路进行此手术。这意味着我们无需做大切口,而是通过皮肤固定骨骼。我们使用小型器械引导螺钉就位,以固定断裂的骨骼。
您手腕中的舟骨形状复杂,尤其是在其腰部。鉴于这种解剖结构,我们会仔细规划固定方式,以确保其牢固。这有助于骨骼在正确的位置愈合。
在某些情况下,损伤不仅限于骨折。我们的证据显示,在一组急性舟骨骨折患者中,24 例中有 15 例还伴有韧带或软骨损伤。在手术过程中,我们会评估这些周围结构。如有必要,我们可能会在固定骨骼的同时修复软组织损伤,以恢复稳定性。
我们不会使用大切口,也不会广泛切开关节。相反,我们依靠精确放置内固定来支持愈合。这最大限度地减少了对周围组织的创伤。我们的目标是提供刚性稳定性,以便在安全的情况下尽早开始轻柔活动。
固定完成后,我们用缝线或医用胶封闭小的穿刺点。贴上无菌敷料以保护手术部位。整个过程旨在稳定骨折,同时保留您手腕精细的解剖结构。
术后
您将在复苏室苏醒,护理团队将为您管理疼痛。您的手腕将由吊带或支具保护,伤口覆盖无菌敷料。大多数患者在该手术后需住院一晚,但部分患者可于当天出院。我们要求您在术后24小时内由他人陪同,以帮助您适应。本手术采用开放入路,在手术部位做单一常规切口;或采用经皮入路,即在不进行正式切口的情况下经皮肤固定骨骼。佩戴石膏或夹板期间严禁驾驶。待石膏拆除且您的外科医生许可后,方可恢复驾驶。参见上肢手术后驾驶。
恢复
术后您的手腕会感到酸痛和肿胀,这是正常现象。我们采用单一传统切口或小穿刺来放置固定骨骼的螺钉。在骨骼愈合期间,您将佩戴石膏或夹板以保持稳定。
尽可能将手抬高至心脏水平以上。这有助于减轻肿胀并缓解不适。您可以轻柔地活动手指以防止僵硬,但避免用手腕进行提举或抓握。夜间睡觉时,用枕头垫高手部以保持舒适。
我们与 Extend Rehabilitation 的 Ruby Doolan 合作为您提供手部治疗。她将指导您进行温和的练习以恢复活动度和力量。您的物理治疗师将教您如何在家中安全地进行这些练习。不要急于进行繁重的工作。在您获得外科医生许可驾驶之前,请勿开车,这通常发生在拆除石膏且您能完全控制方向盘之后。
恢复情况因人而异。您的恢复时间可能有所不同;您的外科医生和物理治疗师将根据您手腕的具体愈合反应为您提供指导。专注于遵循我们提供的护理计划。一天一天地来。
可能出现的问题
大多数患者恢复良好,但偶尔也会出现并发症。您的外科医生和医疗团队会密切监测您,以便尽早发现任何问题。
有时,腕骨的其他骨骼会与舟骨同时发生骨折。这些骨折可能在最初的X光片中无法显示。您可能会注意到持续存在的疼痛或肿胀,且未按预期改善。请在随访就诊时告知您的外科医生任何持续存在的不适,以便其检查是否存在隐匿性损伤。
在某些情况下,腕部的韧带或软骨也会受到损伤。您可能会感到关节不稳定或卡顿。如果您在尝试活动腕部时注意到异常运动或疼痛,请告知您的外科医生。他们可以评估是否需要进一步处理其他结构。
金属内固定物用于将骨骼固定在原位。偶尔,螺钉头或钢板边缘可能会刺激邻近组织。您可能会在皮下摸到硬结或尖锐突起。如果这引起疼痛或刺激,请告知您的外科医生。在骨骼愈合后,他们可以评估是否需要调整或取出内固定物。
本页的并发症表格列出了典型的发生率,如需具体数据请参阅。
何时联系我们
如果您出现发热、伤口红肿加重或分泌物增多,或突发剧烈疼痛,请立即联系我们。如果您发现小腿肿胀、呼吸急促、感觉丧失或手部无法活动,请立即前往急诊。这些症状需要紧急评估,以确保您的康复进程不受影响。
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 with 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].
- The complex scaphoid anatomy with its waist might alter the strategy of fracture fixation [4].
- The complex scaphoid anatomy with its waist might alter education regarding fracture treatment [4].
- The complex scaphoid anatomy with its waist might alter research regarding fracture treatment [4].
- In a series of patients with acute scaphoid fractures, 15 of 24 presented with associated ligamentous and/or chondral/osteochondral injuries [5].
Anatomy & Pathophysiology
- Scaphoid fractures account for almost 75% of all carpal fractures [13].
- Scaphoid fractures are rare in children and in the elderly [13].
- The scaphoid is a small, irregular S-shaped tubular bone located in the proximal carpal row on the radial aspect of the wrist [18].
- The scaphoid lies entirely within the wrist joint at a 45-degree plane to the longitudinal and horizontal axis of the wrist [18].
- 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 [18].
- The proximal articular surface of the scaphoid is convex and articulates with the radius [18].
- The capitate head articulates with a sulcus on the scaphoid located across the radial articular surface, providing a socket-like fit [18].
- The scaphoid gently pronates and flexes distally such that the distal pole sits ulnarly angulated relative to the proximal pole [18].
- Two distinct articular facets for the trapezium and trapezoid are present at the distal articular surface, forming the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) joint [18].
- Over 80% of the scaphoid surface is covered with articular cartilage [18].
- The scaphoid has a reduced capacity for periosteal healing due to extensive articular cartilage coverage and an increased tendency for delayed union and nonunion [18].
- The scaphoid is ridged across its nonarticular dorsoradial surface, along which critical dorsal ridge vessels traverse [18].
- The ridge on the scaphoid is the insertion point for both the dorsal component of the scapholunate and intercarpal ligaments [18].
- Ligamentous attachments of the scaphoid are predominantly found on the nonarticular dorsoradial surface [18].
- Short intrinsic ligaments provide stability to the scaphoid through attachments to other carpal bones, particularly the lunate, and merge with extrinsic ligaments and the wrist capsule [18].
- The radioscapocapitate ligament does not attach to the scaphoid bone itself but crosses the waist, acting as a sling allowing rotation [18].
- There are no tendon attachments to the scaphoid [18].
- The scaphoid acts as a midcarpal joint "bridge" linking and synchronizing the motions of the proximal and distal carpal rows [18].
- Motion of the scaphoid includes rotation proximally and gliding distally while providing stability to the midcarpal joint [18].
- The blood supply of the scaphoid arises from the dorsal distal pole, resulting in a poor blood supply to the proximal pole [13].
- The proximal pole has a poor blood supply, is less likely to heal than the distal pole, and may undergo avascular necrosis [13].
- The vascular supply of the scaphoid originates from two vascular pedicles from the scaphoid branches of the radial artery [18].
- The dorsal branch enters via small foramina along the spiral groove and dorsal ridge of the scaphoid and supplies 70% to 80% of the scaphoid proximally, including the proximal pole [18].
- The volar branch enters via the scaphoid tubercle and supplies the remaining 20% to 30% of the distal scaphoid [18].
- The waist of the scaphoid has been shown to have minimal or no perforating vasculature [18].
- No vessels perforate the proximal dorsal cartilaginous area or through the scapholunate ligament [18].
- Proximal fractures are associated with at least temporary disruption of the interosseous blood supply to the proximal pole [18].
- Only 67% of scaphoid bones have arterial foramina throughout their length, including the distal, middle, and proximal thirds [23].
- In 13% of scaphoid bones, blood supply is predominantly in the distal third [23].
- In 20% of scaphoid bones, most arterial foramina are in the waist area with no more than a single foramen near the proximal third [23].
- One third of scaphoid fractures occurring in the proximal third may be without adequate blood supply [23].
- The prevalence of osteonecrosis can be 35% in fractures at the proximal pole level [23].
- Fractures in the proximal pole take longer to heal and usually have higher rates of nonunion [23].
- Vessels enter the scaphoid from the radial artery laterovolarly, dorsally, and distally [23].
- The laterovolar and dorsal systems share in the blood supply to the proximal two thirds of the scaphoid [23].
- Vascularity of the proximal pole and 70% to 80% of the interosseous circulation are provided through branches of the radial artery entering through the dorsal ridge [23].
- In the distal tuberosity region, 20% to 30% of the bone receives its blood supply from volar branches of the radial artery [23].
- The usual mechanism of scaphoid fracture is forced hyperextension of the wrist [13].
- Scaphoid fractures are caused by a fall on the outstretched palm, resulting in severe hyperextension and slight radial deviation of the wrist [23].
- Hyperextension past 95 degrees is the usual position of injury for scaphoid fractures [29].
- Other mechanisms postulated to produce scaphoid fractures include axial loading and hyperflexion of the wrist [29].
- With the hyperextension mechanism, a fracture of the scaphoid usually begins at the volar waist with a tensile failure [29].
- Forces in hyperextension fractures propagate to the dorsal surface with compression loading until failure occurs [29].
- In cadaveric studies, wrists placed in extreme dorsiflexion and ulnar deviation produced fractures through the scaphoid waist as the scaphoid impinged on the dorsal rim of the radius [29].
- Proximal scaphoid fractures resulted from dorsal subluxation during forced hyperextension [29].
- Of scaphoid fractures, 60% to 80% occur at the scaphoid waist or midportion [23].
- Seventeen percent of patients with scaphoid fractures have other fractures of the carpus and forearm [23].
- Associated injuries include transscaphoid perilunar dislocations, fractures of the trapezium, Bennett fractures, fractures of the radial head, dislocations of the lunate, and fractures at the distal end of the radius [23].
- Fractures tend to occur at the waist partly because the radioscapocapitate (RSC) ligament acts as a fulcrum over which the scaphoid waist fractures [12].
- Snuffbox tenderness applies predominantly to waist fractures, which represent 70% of scaphoid fractures [12].
- The second most common type of scaphoid fracture is a proximal pole fracture, at 20% [12].
- The least common type of scaphoid fracture is a distal pole fracture, at 10% [12].
- Nonunion occurs in 10% to 15% of all scaphoid fractures [29].
- Nonunion rates for nondisplaced waist fractures treated with casting are 5% to 12% [29].
- Nonunion rates for displaced scaphoid fractures treated nonoperatively reach 50% [29].
- The risk of nonunion increases with a delay of treatment for more than 4 weeks [29].
- The risk of nonunion increases with proximal pole fractures [29].
- The risk of nonunion increases with fracture displacement greater than 1 mm [29].
- The risk of nonunion increases with osteonecrosis [29].
- The risk of nonunion increases with tobacco use [29].
- The risk of nonunion increases with associated carpal instability, specifically dorsal intercalated segmental instability (DISI) with a scapholunate angle greater than 60 degrees and a capitolunate angle greater than 15 degrees [29].
- DISI is secondary to humpback deformity, defined as flexion with an intrascaphoid angle greater than 45 degrees, whereas the normal intrascaphoid angle is 24 degrees [29].
- Untreated displaced fractures of the waist will usually angulate as the volar bone is reabsorbed, yielding a "humpback" flexion deformity of the scaphoid [29].
- 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 [29].
- Untreated scaphoid nonunion will predictably progress to arthritic change, termed scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) [29].
- In SNAC, arthritic change arises at the radial styloid articulation with the distal scaphoid pole (stage I) [29].
- In SNAC, degeneration of the scaphocapitate joint follows (stage II) [29].
- In SNAC, degeneration of the midcarpal joint occurs ultimately (stage III) [29].
- Arthritic changes have been found in 97% of patients assessed at least 5 years after injury [29].
- The degree of arthritic changes in SNAC is proportionate to the duration of nonunion [29].
- Patients with untreated scaphoid nonunion generally present with escalating mechanical pain and limitations in range of motion [29].
- In a review of 30-year follow-up results, 10% of patients treated with thumb spica short-arm casts developed nonunion [29].
- Of those who developed nonunion in the 30-year review, 60% demonstrated radiographic evidence of radiocarpal osteoarthritis [29].
- In the 30-year review, only 2% of the healed group demonstrated degenerative change [29].
- The scaphoid bone is located in the proximal carpal row on the radial aspect of the wrist and is a small, irregular S-shaped tubular bone [18].
- The scaphoid spans the proximal and distal carpal rows and acts as a "tie-rod" to coordinate smooth carpal motion [29].
- The scaphoid derives its name from its peculiar boat- or skiff-shaped contour [29].
- 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].
- In a series of 24 patients with acute scaphoid fractures, 15 presented with associated ligamentous and/or chondral/osteochondral injuries [5].
- The complex scaphoid anatomy with its waist might alter the strategy of fracture fixation, education, and research [4].
- The patient usually presents with pain on the radial side of the wrist [12].
- There may be swelling on the radial side of the wrist in scaphoid fractures [12].
- 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 a direct blow against an object [12].
- 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 [12].
- Wrists with acute scaphoid fractures may have swelling and bruising in the radial aspect of the wrist [12].
- Wrists with chronic scaphoid injury may have swelling in the dorsoradial wrist [12].
- To palpate the anatomic snuffbox for the waist examination, palpate just distal to the radial styloid in the "soft spot" [12].
- The distal pole of the scaphoid should be palpated at the scaphoid tubercle on the palmar aspect of the wrist [12].
- The proximal pole is palpated dorsally in line with the second ray just distal to the dorsal radius lip [12].
- 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 [12].
- The proximal pole is just radial to the scapholunate ligament/3-4 portal area [12].
- Pain on longitudinal compression of the thumb (scaphoid axial compression test) is a sign of scaphoid fracture [12].
- 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 [12].
- There may be slight fullness in the anatomical snuffbox in scaphoid fractures [13].
- Precisely localized tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox is an important diagnostic sign for scaphoid fracture [13].
- Examination for scaphoid fracture must include pressure backwards over the scaphoid tubercle, palpation over the proximal pole, and telescoping of the thumb base [13].
- If any of the specific examination signs for scaphoid fracture are positive, the suspicion for a scaphoid fracture should be high [13].
- X-rays for scaphoid fractures should include AP, lateral, and two oblique views [13].
- Even with standard X-rays, the fracture may not be seen in the first few days after injury [13].
- Two weeks later, the scaphoid fracture break is usually much clearer due to bone resorption at the fracture site and slight displacement of fragments [13].
- The scaphoid fracture crack is usually transverse through the narrowest part of the bone (the waist), but it may be more proximal or more distal [13].
- One should always look for signs of associated carpal displacement when evaluating scaphoid fractures [13].
- A CT scan is more sensitive for diagnosing a scaphoid fracture than X-rays [13].
- A CT scan is particularly useful in confirming the alignment of bone fragments if surgery is planned [13].
- A CT scan is useful to confirm whether a scaphoid fracture has united [13].
- MRI is the definitive way to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of scaphoid fracture if the technique is available [13].
- If X-rays look normal but clinical features are suggestive of a fracture, the patient must not be discharged [13].
- The usual advice for suspected scaphoid fracture with normal initial X-rays is to return for a second X-ray 2 weeks later [13].
- Meanwhile, the wrist should be immobilized in a cast extending from the upper forearm to just short of the metacarpophalangeal joints of the fingers, but incorporating the proximal phalanx of the thumb [13].
- The wrist should be held dorsiflexed and the thumb forwards in the "glass-holding" position (the so-called scaphoid plaster) [13].
- An alternative to casting for suspected scaphoid fracture is to arrange an MRI scan or, if not available, a CT scan [13].
- At least four X-rays of possible scaphoid fractures should be taken [13].
- Even then, X-rays might be normal initially in scaphoid fractures [13].
- If any doubt exists regarding a scaphoid fracture, the patient should be placed in plaster and either re-X-rayed in 2 weeks or an MRI scan obtained [13].
- The initial AP view of a scaphoid fracture often fails to show the fracture [13].
- A CT scan is useful for showing the configuration of a scaphoid fracture [13].
- The structures causing pain on the ulnar side of the wrist include the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), the distal ulnocarpal joint, and the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) [19].
- The TFCC includes the dorsal and volar radioulnar ligaments, ulnar collateral ligament, meniscal homologue, articular disc, ulnolunate ligaments, ulnotriquetral ligaments, and extensor carpi ulnaris sheath [19].
- The deep and superficial fibers of the TFCC begin on the ulnar side of the lunate fossa of the radius [19].
- The deep fibers of the TFCC attach ulnarly at the head of the ulna called the "fovea" [19].
- The superficial fibers of the TFCC attach to the ulnar styloid tip where it joins with the ulnar collateral ligaments [19].
- Articular surface contact in the shallow sigmoid notch accounts for about 20% of DRUJ stability [19].
- Articular surface contact in the shallow sigmoid notch allows dorsopalmar translation of about 1 cm with the forearm in neutral position [19].
- During forearm rotation, the ulnar head at its articulation with the sigmoid notch appears to move from dorsal and distal in full pronation to proximal and palmar in full supination [19].
- Additional DRUJ stability is provided through the dorsal and palmar margins and their attachments to the radioulnar ligaments [19].
- The extensor carpi ulnaris sheath and part of the distal radioulnar ligaments attach to the ulnar styloid [19].
-
The ulnar styloid extends 2 to 6 mm distal to the ulnar head [19].
Classification
- The specific risks and benefits of percutaneous screw fixation of nondisplaced scaphoid fractures must be determined in larger randomized, prospective studies [2].
- The complex scaphoid anatomy with its waist might alter the strategy of education and research [4].
- In a series of acute scaphoid fractures, 15 of 24 patients presented with associated ligamentous and/or chondral/osteochondral injuries [5].
Clinical Presentation
- Scaphoid fractures account for almost 75% of all carpal fractures but are rare in children and in the elderly [13].
- Scaphoid fractures are the most common carpal injury in the pediatric population, accounting for approximately 3% of hand and carpal fractures and 0.34% of all fractures in children [34].
- The usual mechanism of scaphoid fracture is forced hyperextension of the wrist, often following a fall onto an outstretched hand [13].
- Almost 90% of patients with scaphoid fractures recall a hyperextension injury [31].
- Patients classically present with radial-sided wrist pain [12].
- Swelling may be present on the radial side of the wrist in acute fractures [12].
- Chronic scaphoid injuries may present with swelling in the dorsoradial wrist [12].
- Fractures tend to occur at the waist partly because the radioscaphocapitate (RSC) ligament acts as a fulcrum over which the scaphoid waist fractures [12].
- Waist fractures represent 70% of scaphoid fractures [12].
- "Snuffbox tenderness" applies predominantly to waist fractures [12].
- The distal pole of the scaphoid is palpated at the scaphoid tubercle on the palmar aspect of the wrist [12].
- With radial deviation of the wrist, the distal pole prominence should move palmarly toward the examiner's thumb [12].
- There may be slight fullness in the anatomical snuffbox [13].
- Precisely localized tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox is an important diagnostic sign [13].
- If any of these specific examination maneuvers are positive, the suspicion for a scaphoid fracture should be high [13].
- Standard four-view radiographs are subsequently used to confirm the diagnosis of scaphoid fracture [31].
- Up to 30% to 40% of scaphoid fractures are not identified on initial assessment and investigation with standard four-view radiographs [31].
- Patients 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 [31].
- No single clinical sign has been found to be adequately sensitive or specific for scaphoid fracture diagnosis [31].
- Anatomical snuffbox tenderness has a sensitivity of 87–100% and specificity of 3–98% [31].
- Axial compression of the thumb has a sensitivity of 48–100% and specificity of 22–97% [31].
- Scaphoid tubercle tenderness has a sensitivity of 82–100% and specificity of 17–57% [31].
- Pain on ulnar deviation has a sensitivity of 67–100% and specificity of 17–60% [31].
- Pain on radial deviation has a sensitivity of 67–90% and specificity of 31–42% [31].
- Reduced range of movement of the thumb has a sensitivity of 65–66% and specificity of 38–59% [31].
- Thumb–index finger pinch has a sensitivity of 75–79% and specificity of 44–76% [31].
- In a study of 246 patients with a suspected fracture of the scaphoid, anatomical snuffbox tenderness was found to have a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 40% [31].
- In the same study, scaphoid tubercle tenderness had a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 57% [31].
- A prospective analysis of 73 patients with a suspected scaphoid fracture found that pain on ulnar deviation of the pronated wrist had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% [31].
- A combination of anatomical snuffbox tenderness, scaphoid tubercle tenderness, and anatomical snuffbox pain on longitudinal compression of the thumb generated a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 74% [31].
- The combination of three clinical signs yielding 100% sensitivity and 74% specificity was valid only for the first 24 hours after injury [31].
- Pain on thumb–index finger pinch and anatomical snuffbox pain on pronation of the forearm were most suggestive of a true scaphoid fracture [31].
- 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 [31].
- Scaphoid tubercle tenderness was most predictive at week 2 [31].
- A clinical scaphoid score (CSS) using three clinical tests (tenderness in the ASB with the wrist in ulnar deviation, tenderness over the scaphoid tubercle, and pain upon longitudinal compression of the thumb) identified that patients with a CSS of 4 or higher require an MRI [31].
- Radiographs are often negative at initial presentation in approximately 25% of scaphoid fracture cases [35].
- In chronic injuries, athletes may complain of an inability to perform a push-up [35].
- Tenderness over the anatomic snuffbox or pain with resisted pronation prevents the surgeon from ruling out a scaphoid fracture in athletes [35].
- A scaphoid view, with the wrist in 30° of extension and 20° of ulnar deviation, or a clenched-fist PA view should be obtained in addition to standard wrist radiographs [35].
- MRI is useful if radiographs are inconclusive in athletes [35].
- MRI is used to assess osteonecrosis of the proximal pole of the scaphoid [35].
- MRI can help assess for a scapholunate ligament injury, another common cause of radial-sided wrist pain in the athlete after a fall [35].
- Associated ligamentous and/or chondral/osteochondral injuries were present in 15 of 24 patients with acute scaphoid fractures [5].
- Associated injuries like distal radius fracture, transscaphoid perilunate dislocations, ulnar styloid fractures, capitate fractures, and bilateral injuries can be present in up to 10% of patients [34].
- Scaphoid fractures are an often missed injury [35].
- Fractures treated in less than 28 days from injury result in a 5% nonunion rate [35].
- If treatment is delayed longer than 28 days, the nonunion rate increases to 28% [35].
- X-rays should include AP, lateral and two oblique views; even then, the fracture may not be seen in the first few days after the injury [13].
- Two weeks later, the break is usually much clearer on X-ray due to bone resorption at the fracture site and slight displacement of fragments [13].
- The crack is usually transverse through the narrowest part of the bone (the waist), but it may be more proximal or more distal [13].
- A CT scan is particularly useful in confirming the alignment of the bone fragments if surgery is planned [13].
- A CT scan is useful to confirm whether the fracture has united or not [13].
- If radiographs are equivocal, ultrasonography can be used to diagnose scaphoid fracture [34].
- Radiography can be repeated after 2 weeks of immobilization to assess for evidence of healing fracture [34].
- An examination by a specialist after the injury has become less painful allows for a more accurate physical examination and thus substantially increases the sensitivity of detecting a scaphoid fracture [32].
- If the probability of a fracture remains unacceptable and new scaphoid specific radiographs are also normal, advanced imaging (typically CT or MRI) can be used to attempt to exclude a fracture [32].
- The higher the pretest odds of a fracture, the more likely an imaging diagnosis of a fracture will correlate with a true fracture [32].
- The lower the pretest odds (i.e., "rule out" rather than "confirm"), the less likely that a radiologic diagnosis of a fracture will correspond with a true fracture [32].
- In children, traditional thinking was that scaphoid fractures involved the distal pole with excellent healing rates, but now the majority of fractures occur at the waist [34].
- Children with scaphoid fractures may present late due to subtle pain and swelling in the anatomic snuffbox [34].
- Nondisplaced, acute scaphoid fractures treated in short arm thumb spica casts for 6 to 12 weeks have a reported union rate of 90% [34].
- Chronic fractures and osteonecrosis are independent predictors of worse functional outcomes in pediatric scaphoid fractures [34].
- 95% of all pediatric patients with scaphoid fractures reported functional status better than or equal to the general population per median DASH score [34].
- The median Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS) for both surgical and nonsurgical pediatric patients represented excellent functional outcome with no difference in outcomes for the two groups [34].
Investigations
- The most common mechanism of injury for scaphoid fractures is a fall onto the outstretched hand with the forearm pronated [26].
- Scaphoid fractures occur in three anatomical locations: distal tubercle, waist, and proximal pole [13].
- Fractures at the waist represent 70% of scaphoid fractures [12].
- Proximal pole fractures represent 20% of scaphoid fractures [12].
- Distal pole fractures represent 10% of scaphoid fractures [12].
- In children, fractures of the distal third of the scaphoid (transverse distal pole and tuberosity) are the most common [26].
- In children, peak age for scaphoid fracture incidence is 15 to 19 years [26].
- Type I scaphoid injuries in children younger than 8 years are usually chondral [26].
- Type II scaphoid injuries in children between 8 and 11 years are usually osteochondral [26].
- Type III scaphoid injuries in children older than 12 years are more "adult-like" because the scaphoid is ossified [26].
- The blood supply of the scaphoid arises from the dorsal distal pole [13].
- The proximal pole has a poor blood supply and is less likely to heal than the distal pole [13].
- Avascular necrosis may occur in the proximal pole of the scaphoid [13].
- Patients with scaphoid fractures usually present with pain on the radial side of the wrist [12].
- Swelling may be present on the radial side of the wrist in acute scaphoid fractures [12].
- Limited range of motion is common in scaphoid fractures [12].
- Pain may occur when applying extended wrist loading or positioning the wrist in extreme positions of flexion or extension [12].
- To palpate the anatomic snuffbox for the waist, palpate just distal to the radial styloid in the "soft spot" [12].
- The proximal pole of the scaphoid is palpated dorsally in line with the second ray just distal to the dorsal radius lip [12].
- Clinical signs of scaphoid fracture in children include dorsal swelling of the wrist, tenderness in the anatomic snuffbox, swelling of the distal part of the radius, and painful dorsiflexion of the wrist or extension of the thumb [26].
- Plain radiography is approximately 50% sensitive for the detection of a scaphoid fracture [26].
- Plain radiography is less than 50% sensitive for the detection of other carpal bones fractures [26].
- Up to 30% of patients with suspected scaphoid fracture may have positive follow-up radiographs after 2 weeks [26].
- X-rays should include anteroposterior, lateral, and scaphoid views with the wrist in ulnar deviation [26].
- Fractures may not be seen on X-rays in the first few days after injury [13].
- Two weeks later, the fracture is usually much clearer on X-ray due to bone resorption at the fracture site and slight displacement of fragments [13].
- The crack is usually transverse through the narrowest part of the bone (the waist) on X-ray [13].
- MRI is the definitive way to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of scaphoid fracture if available [13].
- MRI is more sensitive than CT for diagnosing scaphoid fractures [26].
- A normal MRI study as early as 2 days after injury has a negative predictive value of 100% for scaphoid fracture [26].
- Neglected scaphoid nonunion is associated with osteonecrosis and progressive radiocarpal and midcarpal arthritis [28].
- A diagnosis of osteonecrosis can be challenging because of the limited sensitivity of imaging modalities, including contrast-enhanced MRI [28].
- The presence of large cavitary lesions or cysts with bone resorption around the midwaist to proximal pole suggests compromised blood supply [28].
- A recent study found that the healing potential of a scaphoid nonunion is not dependent on the presence of proximal pole vascularity [28].
- In a series of 35 scaphoid nonunions with more than half found to have impaired vascularity on intraoperative histopathologic analysis, 33 of 35 nonunions healed with curettage, nonvascularized autogenous bone grafting, and headless screw fixation [28].
- Twelve of 14 patients with fibrous scaphoid nonunions treated with screw fixation alone experienced healing at 4.4-month follow-up [28].
- The two persistent nonunions in the fibrous nonunion series occurred in proximal pole fractures more than 1 year after injury [28].
- A stable scaphoid nonunion without deformity or osteonecrosis can be successfully managed without bone grafting [28].
- An unstable nonunion requires bone grafting to restore height and correct carpal malalignment, principally dorsal intercalated segment instability [28].
- Twelve scaphoid waist nonunions with humpback deformity were successfully managed with a retrograde screw and ipsilateral distal radius cancellous bone graft [28].
- A systematic review found that both cancellous and corticocancellous bone grafting led to reliable union (95% or 92%, respectively) [28].
- Cancellous grafting required less time to union than corticocancellous grafting [28].
- Corticocancellous grafting led to more consistent deformity correction than cancellous grafting [28].
- The 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery was commonly used as a vascularized pedicled bone graft for scaphoid nonunion [28].
- The Mathoulin pedicled graft from the volar distal radius has been used with good clinical results for scaphoid nonunion [28].
- A free medial femoral condyle vascularized graft has a reported union rate of 94% for scaphoid nonunion [28].
- The free medial femoral condyle vascularized graft demonstrated a union rate of 84% in revision scenarios [28].
- A retrospective review found CT-confirmed healing in 15 of 16 scaphoids consecutively treated with a medial femoral trochlea flap for proximal one-fifth nonunions [28].
- Acutrak screw fixation led to a significantly higher union rate than Herbert screw fixation (94% versus 71%) in a review of 132 scaphoid nonunions [28].
- Acutrak screw fixation led to more accurate central axis screw placement than Herbert screw fixation [28].
- Optimization of post-processing algorithms for intraoperative three-dimensional fluoroscopy may increase image quality for assessing implant positioning [37].
- Limitations in evaluating fracture reduction quality still exist with intraoperative three-dimensional fluoroscopy [37].
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].
- Arthroscopic treatment allows accurate reconstruction of the weight bearing surface of the joint and secure internal fixation of the fracture [6].
- Unicortical locking plate fixation effectively supplements intramedullary rod fixation in selected cases of osteogenesis imperfecta [9].
- Constructs with locking and nonlocking screws demonstrated equivalent loads at failure and were superior in load at failure compared with cables [10].
- Subcutaneous fixation had satisfactory outcomes, with sub-rod offering good anti-compression and sub-plate providing favorable anti-rotational capacity [11].
Complications
- The presence of protruding metal prominences, even smooth ones like a plate corner or screw head, might endanger the bladder [8].
- Surgical dislocation for femoral head fractures presents a higher risk of heterotopic ossification compared to common approaches [15].
Recovery
- The aim of treatment for coronal plane partial articular fractures of the distal femoral condyle is to obtain anatomical reduction and rigid fixation in order to allow early mobilisation and restoration of function [3].
- Regardless of fixation strategy, posterior ring reduction and stabilization is crucial for anterior pelvic ring injuries [7].
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)
- [L4] The aim of treatment is to obtain anatomical reduction and rigid fixation in order to allow early mobilisation and restoration of function. [3] (10.1302/0301-620x.95b9.30656)
- [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)
- [Case_report] The presence of protruding metal prominences, even smooth ones like a plate corner or screw head, might endanger the bladder. [8] (10.1186/s12891-015-0581-7)
- [L4] Unicortical locking plate fixation effectively supplements intramedullary rod fixation in selected cases of osteogenesis imperfecta. [9] (10.2106/jbjs.n.01185)
- [L5] Constructs with locking and nonlocking screws demonstrated equivalent loads at failure and were superior in load at failure compared with cables. [10] (10.1016/j.arth.2011.08.019)
- [L5] Subcutaneous fixation had satisfactory outcomes, with sub-rod offering good anti-compression and sub-plate providing favorable anti-rotational capacity. [11] (10.1186/s13018-017-0541-z)
- [L4] Our experience with surgical dislocation shows clinical results comparable to previously reported outcomes in femoral head fractures treated with common approaches; we also present a similar rate of AVN and a lower rate of posttraumatic arthritis, but a higher risk of heterotopic ossification. [15] (10.1007/s11999-015-4352-4)
- [L4] Optimization of post-processing algorithms, rather than modifications of image acquisition, may increase the image quality for assessing implant positioning, but limitations in evaluating fracture reduction quality still exist. [37] (10.1177/1753193419848963)
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] Coronal plane partial articular fractures of the distal femoral condyle. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2013. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.95b9.30656
[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
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[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] Recurrent episodes of micturition with expulsion of symphyseal plate screws following pelvic ring fixation: case report. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2015. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-015-0581-7
[9] Locking Plate Placement with Unicortical Screw Fixation Adjunctive to Intramedullary Rodding in Long Bones of Patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery-American Volume. 2015. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.n.01185
[10] A Biomechanical Comparison of Periprosthetic Femoral Fracture Fixation in Normal and Osteoporotic Cadaveric Bone. The Journal of Arthroplasty. 2012. DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2011.08.019
[11] Biomechanical characteristics of fixation methods for floating pubic symphysis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2017. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-017-0541-z
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[15] Surgical Hip Dislocation Is a Reliable Approach for Treatment of Femoral Head Fractures. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2015. DOI: 10.1007/s11999-015-4352-4
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