Retrospective Comparative Outcomes Analysis of Arthroscopic Versus Open Bone Graft and Fixation for Unstable Scaphoid Nonunions.

PURPOSE: To compare union rates and clinical and radiologic outcomes after arthroscopic and open bone grafting and internal fixation for unstable scaphoid nonunions.

METHODS: Between March 2009 and November 2014, patients with unstable scaphoid nonunion underwent arthroscopic (group A) or open (group O) bone grafting and internal fixation. One senior surgeon alternatively performed either arthroscopic or open osteosynthesis for the same surgical indications. Visual analog scale score, grip strength, active range of motion, Mayo wrist score (MWS), and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Union was determined by computed tomography 8 to 10 weeks postoperatively with bridging trabecula at the nonunion site. Scapholunate angle (SLA), radiolunate angle (RLA), and lateral intrascaphoid angle (LISA), plus height/length ratio (HLR) served to gauge carpal bone alignment in preoperative and postoperative radiographs. Those outcomes of patients with carpal collapse deformities, who met following conditions; (1) LISA of >45° or HLR of >0.65 on computed tomography images or (2) SLA of >60° or RLA of >10° on plain radiographs, were also compared.

RESULTS: Overall, 62 patients qualified for study (group A, 28; group O, 34). Union rates did not differ by patient subset (group A, 96.4%; group O, 97.1%; P ≒ 1); and visual analog scale score, grip strength, range of motion, Mayo Wrist Score, and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores were similar at last follow-up. In radiographic assessments, SLA, RLA, and LISA were similar, whereas scaphoid HLR excelled through open technique (group A, 0.59 ± 0.07; group O, 0.55 ± 0.05; P = .002). Subgroup analysis of patients with carpal collapse deformities (group A, 9; group O, 14) showed that all radiographic measures in group A (vs group O) reflected lesser correction (SLA, 56.7° ± 7.3° vs 49.2°±9.1° [P = .049]; RLA, 9.2° ± 2.0° vs 5.7° ± 3.0° [P = .005]; LISA, 34.8° ± 4.8° vs 25.6° ± 13.0° [P = .028]; HLR, 0.66 ± 0.04 vs 0.54 ± 0.07 [P < .001]).

CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic and open bone grafting and internal fixation in treating unstable scaphoid nonunions, did not show any significant differences in clinical and radiologic outcomes at the minimum of 2 years after operation. In scaphoid nonunions with carpal collapse deformities, open bone grafting restored better carpal alignment than arthroscopic bone grafting, although there were no differences in clinical outcomes between the 2 techniques.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.