Long-Term Results of the Modified Russe II Procedure in Scaphoid Non-Unions of the Proximal Pole

Abstract

We present the long-term outcome of nine cases of proximal scaphoid non-union treated by the modified Russe II procedure including excision of the avascular proximal scaphoid pole, placement of a shaped iliac crest bone graft and internal fixation. The patients were re-examined after a mean follow-up of 16.7 years (ranging from 3.5 to 28 years) and subjective pain, objective range of wrist motion and grip strength as well as the radiological outcome were evaluated. Eight of the nine patients demonstrated very good and good clinical long-term results, despite the fact that the radiological outcome was rated good in only five cases. By restoring the anatomic shape of the scaphoid the modified Russe II procedure proved to be an effective and long-term reliable alternative in the difficult management of proximal pole non-unions of the scaphoid.

Key words

scaphoid bone - fractures - pseudarthrosis - bone transplantation - fracture fixation - interna

References

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