Βιβλιοθήκη

In this study we compared the results of three methods of fixation for scaphoid non-union. The implants used were the AO 2 mm mini-fragment screw, the Herbert screw and the Kirschner (K) wires. Between 1990 and 1999, 132 patients underwent surgery for scaphoid fractures. We used the modified Filan and Herbert classification. Patients with acute fractures and patients requiring vascularised bone grafts were excluded. Twenty-six non-unions were fixed with an AO mini-fragment screw, 58 with a Herbert screw, and nine with K-wires. Radiological union was achieved in 85% of cases using the AO screw, 77% using the Herbert screw and 55% using the K-wire fixation. Statistically there was no significant difference between the AO and Herbert screw groups in terms of rate and speed of radiological union. The mechanical strength of the implant and the compression achieved did not seem to influence the union rate and speed. The type of bone graft (iliac crest or distal radius) did not significantly affect the union rates. Finally, K-wire fixation, either as a primary method or as a salvage procedure, produced inferior results and required prolonged immobilisation in plaster.

In a series of 21 patients (22 wrists) with rheumatoid arthritis, arthrodesis of the wrist was done using a modi®ed Steinmann pin (Stanley) either by an open or closed technique. The open technique, which included fragmenting the carpal bones (12 cases), was mainly used when additional procedures were needed simultaneously. The closed technique simply required insertion of the Stanley pin under fluoroscan control through a small incision over the metacarpal head. Nine out of 12 wrists treated with the open technique and nine out of ten of those treated by the closed technique were successfully fused. Complications were few. A single patient was dissatisfied due to continuing pain. Two out of the four pins that migrated (both involving the open technique) have been removed.