The use of totally de-proteinized heterologous bone graft in non-union of the scaphoid.

In an attempt to avoid the complications associated with taking autologous bone graft for use in the treatment of non-union of the scaphoid, a clinical trial of the use of totally de-proteinized heterologous bone graft has been carried out. Ten patients with established non-union of the scaphoid were treated with internal fixation and grafting using one such commercially available material, Pyrost. The clinical and radiological results in eight patients about one year later are reported. The operative use of this material proved difficult because of its poor mechanical properties and it is not recommended as a substitute for the patient's own bone.