Scaphoid nonunion fracture and results of the modified Matti-Russe technique

BACKGROUND: The best treatment for scaphoid nonunion fractures is still controversial. The main aim of this study was to determine the results of the modified Matti-Russe method of surgery on scaphoid nonunion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective interventional study, 30 patients with nonunion scaphoid fracture recruited from clinics of the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences between October 2007 and March 2011 underwent the modified Matti-Russe method of surgery. Union rate was evaluated four and six months after the procedure. Mayo wrist score (MWS) was calculated for the subjects six months after surgery. RESULTS: Mean age of the subjects was 25.9 ± 7.8 years, ranging from 16 to 35 years. Twenty-seven (90%) were men, and three (10%) were women. Four and six months after surgery, 10 (33%) and 26 (86.7%) subjects had a united fracture. Mean MWS was 75.0 ± 8.8 in all the subjects, ranging from 54 to 90 six months after surgery. Three subjects (10%) were grouped as excellent, 9 (30%) good, 16 (53.3%) satisfactory, and 3 (6.7%) poor. CONCLUSION: A fracture or nonunion of the scaphoid bone can be a complex and troubling injury, but the modified Matti-Russe method showed satisfactory results six months after surgery.