Prograde screw fixation

Proximal pole fractures rely largely on the distal-to-proximal intraosseous blood flow and are therefore prone to delayed union and nonunion.
Nonoperative treatment requires a prolonged period of plaster immobilization (3-6 months).

80% of the surface of the scaphoid is covered with articular cartilage. This greatly limits points of entry for fixation devices.
An additional constraint is the curved morphology of the scaphoid.
This means that a wire or fixation device along the true central axis of the scaphoid is not possible. Occasionally, access to a distal entry point for a device can only be gained by a limited excavation of the edge of the trapezium.

The blood supply of the scaphoid derives from two sources: a group of vessels entering the palmar aspect of the distal pole, and a group entering the dorsal aspect of the distal pole. The first group contributes largely to the vascularity of the distal one third, and the dorsal group supplies the proximal two thirds of the bone.

If the proximal pole fragment is larger than 5 mm, a cannulated, headless, self-compressing screw is the implant of choice.
For smaller proximal pole fragments, the use of a mini headless bone screw is advisable.
For very small fragments (flakes), K-wires may be a better option.

In cases of comminuted proximal one third to half of the scaphoid, a combination of a screw and K-wires is recommended.

Make a straight dorsal skin incision, starting over Lister’s tubercle, and extending distally for about 3-4 cm.

Look for additional lesions, especially scapholunate (SL) ligament ruptures.
The picture shows a proximal pole fracture combined with a complete SL rupture. The head of the capitate is visible deeper in the wound.

If the fracture is displaced, reduce it with small pointed reduction forceps.

Comminuted fractures of the proximal half of the scaphoid can not be fixed with a headless screw alone.

Additional K-wires are advisable for the fixation of small fragments bearing articular cartilage.
If a bony avulsion fracture of the SL ligament from the scaphoid is present, it is necessary to fix the fragment, either with K-wires, or a small screw (1.5 mm).

The entry point is at the proximal pole, directly adjacent to the scapholunate ligament insertion.
The guide wire is inserted in the axis of the shaft of the first metacarpal, in radial abduction.

Image intensification in at least two planes is used to confirm accurate advancement of the guide wire in the scaphoid axis, and perpendicular to the fracture plane.
Do not penetrate the scaphotrapezial joint with the guide wire.

Two methods can be employed for measuring the desired screw length:

1. Insert the dedicated measuring device over the guide wire, through the drill guide, which must be firmly positioned on the tubercle for a reliable measurement.
2. If the dedicated drill guide is not available, take another guide wire of the same length and place its tip onto the bone at the insertion point. The difference between the protruding ends of the two wires indicates the length of the drill hole for the screw.

Subtract at least 2 -3 mm to determine the screw length. In most cases, a 16-20 mm cannulated screw is the appropriate length.

Use only the dedicated drill bit. A power drill will exert a smaller and more controlled force on the fragments than manual drilling, and will reduce the risk of displacing the fragments. A small power drill with slow rotation is preferable.
Use Ringer lactate solution to cool the drill bit, in order to minimize thermal injury.
If the drill guide is used, attach a nut to the drill bit in order to limit penetration to the desired length only.
Check the position of the tip of the drill bit using image intensification.
Then tap the drill hole manually if not using self-tapping screws.

The proximal end of the screw should be advanced until it is buried beneath the subchondral bone.

Confirm the position of the screw using image intensification.

Pitfall: Overinsertion
The near thread must not lie within the fracture plane, as this would cause displacement rather than compression.

Rest the wrist with a well-padded below-elbow splint for 48 hours.

While the patient is in bed, use pillows to keep the hand elevated above the level of the heart to reduce swelling.

For ambulating patients, dispense with the splint, apply an elastic bandage and, if necessary, put the arm in a sling and elevate to above the heart.

See patient after 48 hours for a dressing change.

After 14 days remove the sutures and confirm with x-rays that no secondary displacement has occurred

Immediately postoperatively, begin active, controlled, digital range-of-motion exercises.

Active motion exercises of the wrist begin at about 14 days postoperatively in compliant patients with stable fixation. In cases of initial fracture displacement, or comminution, the wrist should be immobilized in a palmar splint until at least 6 weeks after operation.

Load bearing through the wrist must be delayed until there is radiological evidence of bone healing. This may be difficult to assess on conventional radiographs; follow-up CT scans are recommended.