Study of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Patients With Acute Scaphoid Fractures After Union

Background: There is no clear consensus on the best treatment option for scaphoid fractures. Objectives: In this study, we aim to evaluate the short-term clinical and radiologic outcomes in patients with acute isolated scaphoid fractures treated with surgical or nonsurgical methods. Methods: In a retrospective study, 31 patients with acute isolated scaphoid fracture (Mean±SD age: ‎28.9±9.9 ‎years) treated with open reduction and internal fixation (n=15) or cast immobilization (n=16) methods were included. The fractures were classified according to Herbert & Fishers’ classification system. Clinical outcome measures were the wrist range of motion, pinch strength, and grip strength. Radiographic outcome measures were the lunocapitate angle, scapholunate angle, and ulnar variance. The outcome were compared between the involved and uninvolved hands and between surgical or nonsurgical groups. Results: The majority of fractures were type B2 (n=14). In a Mean±SD follow-up of 15.1±3.2‎‏ months, the mean extension, flexion, pinch, and grip strength of the involved hand averaged 81.3%, 80.7%, 90%, and 87% of the uninvolved hand. Accordingly, clinical outcomes were significantly lower in the involved hand. The scapholunate angle was significantly higher in the involved hand (P=0.002). Clinical and radiographic outcomes were not significantly different between the surgical and nonsurgical groups. Radiographic malalignment was detected in 25 scaphoids. No significant correlation was found between the clinical and radiographic outcomes. Conclusion: After scaphoid fracture union, the decrease in wrist range of motion (extension, flexion) and grip/pinch strength has no correlation with radiographic results.