Different Types of Internal Fixation of Scaphoid Fractures

Scaphoid fractures non-unions have been considered to be troublesome even for the experienced hand surgeons. Studies have reported that nonunion rates ranged from approximately 5% to 15% following screw fixation of acute scaphoid fractures. Factors associated with an increased risk of nonunion or delayed union include proximal pole fractures, delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment, and inadequate stabilization of the fracture. Headless compression screw seems to be the standard treatment of fixation for scaphoid fracture non unions. The screw will counteract bending force at the scaphoid waist with internal three point fixation, in the circumstance that there is little bone loss within central waist of the scaphoid, for example in acute scaphoid fracture. If primary operation of the fails, revision surgery remains challenging, which involve the removal of the existing hardware, meticulous debridement of the nonunion site, and reapplication of fixation with new implants.