A study of functional and radiological outcome of undisplaced scaphoid fracture treated with percutaneous Herbert screw fixation

Introduction: The management of undisplaced fractures of the scaphoid is controversial. Conventional management of these fractures has been with significant risk of scaphoid nonunion. Objectives: Our objective was to study if early per-cutaneous fixation of scaphoid fractures results in early return to work and sports activities, better union rates, better pain relief and better range of motion of wrist. Methodology: This study examined the results from 30 patients who underwent per-cutaneous screw fixation using a Herbert screw in an un-displaced scaphoid fracture. All patients in the study group were followed up for average 2 years evaluating them according to the Green & O’Brien score. Results: All had healed successfully after the index procedure. There were three complications consisting of wrist pain and decreased range of motion of wrist. These also went on to heal, resulting in better union rates. Conclusion: Thus per-cutaneous fixation of acute, un-displaced scaphoid fractures with percutaneous Herbert screws is an effective treatment which reduces the need of prolonged immobilization and helps in an early return to the routine activity.