Percutaneous osteosynthesis versus cast immobilisation for the treatment of minimally and non-displaced scaphoid fractures. Functional outcomes after a follow-up of at least 12 month.

The authors compare the functional outcome of 26 patients successfully treated by percutaneous osteosynthesis and 24 patients successfully treated by a short-arm thumb cast for the acute scaphoid fracture after a follow-up of at least 12 months. The patients treated by percutaneous osteosynthesis showed a significantly better range of wrist motion at the time of re-examination. Differences in persistent complaints and in grip strength compared to the uninjured wrist between both groups were statistically insignificant yet slightly in favour of the surgically treated patients. The higher suitability of percutaneous osteosynthesis is further supported by the significantly lower failure rate compared to conservative treatment. Based on these results, percutaneous osteosynthesis seemed to be the more favourable method of treatment of minimally and non-displaced scaphoid fractures than conservative treatment.