Results of arthroscopic reduction and percutaneous fixation for acute displaced scaphoid fractures.

PURPOSE: This study used percutaneous techniques augmented by simultaneous wrist arthroscopy to visualize the fracture and thus confirm the fracture alignment and reduction and also to assesses the concurrent associated ligament injuries.

TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective study.

METHODS

Arthroscopy was used to help to reduce scaphoid fractures and assess soft-tissue injuries in 15 acute cases (13 male and 2 female patients). The fractures were treated by reduction under arthroscopic control and percutaneous fixation with the cannulated interosseous compression screw. Soft-tissue lesions were also treated at the same time using debridement, suture repair, or K-wire transfixation. The average age of the patients was 29.2 years (range, 19 to 48 years).

RESULTS

Two patients (13.3%) had scapholunate (SL) ligament injuries, and both exhibited partial tear of the SL ligament. Four patients (26.7%) suffered lunotriquetral (LT) ligament injuries and received ligament debridement, K-wire fixation of the LT joint, and splinting. Six patients (40%) had chondral fractures. Additionally, the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) was torn in 5 patients (33%). Finally, 5 patients (33%) suffered radioscaphocapitate ligament or long radiolunate ligament injuries. All fractures healed without malunion or nonunion and, at follow-up of 24 to 28 months, 11 patients had excellent results and 4 had good results based on Mayo Modified Wrist Scores.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that arthroscopic reduction may be considered for scaphoid fractures because this approach can use a single procedure to achieve acceptable restoration of fractures as well as assessment and management of soft-tissue lesions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV Therapeutic Study, case series with no, or historical, control group.