Scaphoid Pseudoarthrosis Treatment Without Bone Grafting

Objectives: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the postoperative changes in pain, function, and scapholunate angle in patients who underwent percutaneous headless compression screw fixation (PHCSF) without bone grafting for scaphoid pseudoarthrosis (SP). Patients and Methods: Thirty-three patients (31 males, 2 females; mean age: 27.64±9.85 years; range, 16 to 59 years) with scaphoid pseudoarthrosis who underwent percutaneous headless compression screw fixation without bone grafting between January 2010 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used, and scapholunate angle measurements were performed. Results: The union rate was (87.9%), and the mean time to union was 14.0±1.9 weeks. Postoperative VAS and Q-DASH scores were significantly lower than baseline (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between pre- and postoperative scapholunate angle values (p=0.182). According to the age groups, the changes in Q-DASH and scapholunate angle values were significantly higher in patients aged ≥26 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the sports injury, falls, and traffic accidents groups in terms of VAS, Q-DASH, and scapholunate angle differences before and after percutaneous headless compression screw fixation. Conclusion: Pain and function can be improved with the percutaneous headless compression screw fixation without bone grafting in the treatment of scaphoid pseudoarthrosis. Age seems also to be an important factor in functional success.