The Herbert screw for fractures of the scaphoid. A review of results and technical difficulties

Abstract

We have reviewed 22 patients with scaphoid fractures treated by internal fixation with the Herbert screw. Three patients had trans-scaphoid perilunar dislocations, one had an oblique displaced fracture of the waist of the scaphoid and 18 had fractures with delayed or non-union. Corticocancellous bone grafts were added in nine of the cases of non-union. Results were excellent or good in 80% of cases after a mean duration of postoperative immobilisation of four weeks. The technical difficulties are analysed and the problems of applying the jig and of operative exposure are discussed.