Research Article
Santosh Kulloli and Harshal Ku
Abstract
Fractures of the scaphoid are most common in young men; immobilisation in a cast usually means a long period away from work and athletic activities. Early rigid fixation has been shown to promote a rapid functional recovery, but open reduction and internal fixation is technically demanding with the dangers of damage to the radiocarpal ligaments, the scaphotrapezial joint, and the blood supply of the scaphoid. For minimally displaced or undisplacedB1 or B2 fractures, these problems can be overcome by percutaneous fixation. We report our technique and the results of a pilot study in 15 patients. There was 4 weeks of immobilisation; patients were allowed movement soon after cast removal, but union was obtained in all at a mean of 57 days (38 to 71).