Treatment of scaphoid nonunions with a vascularized bone graft based on the first dorsal metacarpal artery

Abstract

Four patients with chronic nonunion of the scaphoid were treated by a vascularized bone graft based on first dorsal metacarpal artery. The mean duration of the nonunion was 28.5 months (range 12-48 months). There was avascular necrosis in all patients confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). None of the patients had previous attempts at surgical reconstruction. Two fractures were localized at the waist one in the distal part and one at the proximal pole. Osseous union of the scaphoid was confirmed by X-ray in all patients in an average of 2.1 months. We recommend this technique for the treatment of established scaphoid pseudoarthrosis with avascular necrosis since it is associated with minimal morbidity and predictable good results.