The clinico-radiological outcome of open reduction and internal fixation of displaced scaphoid fractures in the adult age group.

BACKGROUND

Scaphoid fracture is the most common among carpal bone fractures, frequently imperceptible on initial radiographs. Tendency of scaphoid fracture to undergo in non-union makes it an important challenging injury for all orthopaedic surgeons. Displaced scaphoid fracture has high non-union rate in conservative management asserting the need to explore operative treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: A prospective study was conducted in our institution in thirty patients in 20 to 50 year age group, for displaced scaphoid fracture (<30 days duration). Patient were followed up at every 4 week interval for 6 month and then three monthly for total duration of 18 months. At each follow up clinical and functional outcome was measured by Mayo wrist score and Patient rated wrist evaluation, and radiological outcome was measured in terms of union.

RESULTS

Mayo wrist score showed satisfactory outcome at 8 week, and good and excellent outcome at 12 week and 16 week period. Patient rated wrist score showed improvement in clinical and functional result at three month period.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of open reduction and internal fixation by Herbert screw in acute displaced scaphoid fracture has good clinical, functional, and radiological outcome, and associated with early recovery.