Percutaneous fixation of acute scaphoid waist fractures: long-term patient-reported functional outcomes and satisfaction at a mean of 11 years following surgery.

Paul H C Stirling, Ryan Broll, Sam Molyneux, Chris Oliver, Margaret Mcqueen, Andrew Duckworth

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

The aim of this study was to report the long-term functional outcomes and complication rates following early percutaneous fixation of acute fractures of the scaphoid. A trauma database was searched to identify all skeletally-mature patients with an undisplaced or minimally-displaced scaphoid waist fracture managed with early percutaneous retrograde screw fixation over a thirteen-year period from 1997-2010. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and complications documented. Long-term follow-up was by a questionnaire-based review. The Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included the Quick version of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (QuickDASH), the EuroQol 5-dimensions score (EQ-5D-5 L), and complications. During the study period 114 patients underwent this procedure. The mean age was 28 years (range, 17-62) and 97 patients (85%) were male. The median time from injury to surgery was nine days (range, 1-27). Twelve patients (11%) reported a complication, all of whom required repeat surgical intervention (six revision ORIF for non-union, five elective removal of hardware, one early revision fixation due to screw impingement). Long-term outcome data was available for 77 patients (68%) at mean follow-up of 11.4 years (range, 6.4-19.8). The median PRWE was 0 (IQR 0-7.5), median QuickDASH 0 (IQR 0-4.5) and median EQ-5D-5 L 1.0 (IQR 0.837-1.0). There were 97% (n = 74) patients satisfied with their outcome. Early percutaneous fixation of acute non-displaced or minimally displaced scaphoid fractures results in good long-term patient reported outcomes and health-related quality of life. Although comparable with previous studies, the overall surgical reintervention rate is notable and can result in inferior outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level III (Retrospective Cohort Study).
Original languageEnglish
JournalHand surgery & rehabilitation
Early online date27 Feb 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2021

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Wrist
  • FRACTURE
  • scaphoid
  • Outcome

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