The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term clinical and radiographic outcome in a group of patients treated with resection of the proximal pole and tendon ball arthroplasty because of a scaphoid non-union.
15 patients affected by scaphoid non-union and treated with resection arthroplasty were studied at a mean follow-up of 9.1 years. The assessment included a visual analogue scale (VAS) to evaluate pain, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and the measurement of grip and pinch strength. We also evaluated pre-operative and follow-up radiographs to determine the stage of SNAC wrist.
We obtained a good subjective clinical result in 11 patients and a poor result in 4. Mean VAS and DASH score at follow-up was 1.2±1.2 and 12±12,1, respectively. Grip and key pinch strength in the surgically treated hand were 89% of the contralateral hand. There was significant increase in the SNAC stage at follow-up with respect to the preoperative evaluation in the operated wrist.
Resection of the proximal pole and tendon ball arthroplasty provided long-term relief of pain and good functional results in most patients affected by scaphoid non-union. This technique did not affect the natural history of SNAC wrist with its clinical and functional consequences.