Autogenous Bone Graft With Kirschner Wire Fixation Could Be a Reliable Treatment Option for Scaphoid Nonunion in Adolescents.

BACKGROUND

Scaphoid nonunion in adolescents is rare, and most treatments include prolonged immobilization and screw fixation. Many studies have shown that Kirschner wires (K-wires) show comparable outcomes in screw fixation in adult scaphoid nonunion. However, few studies have reported K-wire fixation results in the treatment of adolescent scaphoid nonunion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results after bone graft and K-wire fixation for scaphoid nonunion in adolescents.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 12 adolescent patients, mean age 15.4 (12 to 17) years, who underwent surgical treatment of scaphoid nonunion. Autogenous bone grafts with K-wire fixation were performed for all patients. Radiologic results, including bone union and degenerative changes, were evaluated with serial radiographs. Clinical results, including range of motion, grip strength, and a visual analogue scale for pain, were assessed.

RESULTS

All patients received <3 years of postoperative follow-up assessments. Stable bony union was achieved in all patients. Radiologic bony unions were identified at an average of 11.4 weeks postoperatively (range, 9 to 15 wk). The mean active range of motion of the injured wrist at 3 years postoperatively was 215 degrees (range, 185 to 230 degrees). None of the patients were treated for wrist pain or needed medication during follow-up. Three patients experienced intermittent pain (visual analogue scale 1) after heavy work. The grip strength was reduced compared with the uninjured hand (31.8 and 32.8 kg, respectively), but there was no statistically significant difference (P=0.19). All patients had the K-wire removed at 12 weeks postoperatively. There was no degenerative change in the scaphoid at the final follow-up radiograph.

CONCLUSION

Autogenous bone graft with K-wire fixation could be a reliable treatment option of scaphoid nonunion in adolescents.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-retrospective case series.