Background: An irreparable scaphoid proximal pole is challenging to treat because of the fragment size and limited blood supply. Salvage surgery, such as partial wrist fusion or proximal row carpectomy, may be performed but is not ideal for young patients. There are few reports of proximal scaphoid reconstruction using rib osteochondral grafts.
Methods: Four patients were treated with rib osteochondral graft for reconstruction of the scaphoid proximal pole. The patients had a mean postoperative follow-up of 24 months. The mean age at the time of surgery was 30 years. Outcome measurements included total active range of wrist motion arc, grip strength, and wrist function score. We also evaluated the progression of osteoarthritis and changes in carpal height.
Results: No complications occurred at the donor site. The range of motion improved from 82° to 95° before and after surgery. Grip strength improved from 22 kg to 33 kg before and after surgery. There was a remarkable improvement in the modified wrist function scores of Green and O'Brien from 40 points to 70 points before and after surgery. No progression of arthrosis was seen on the radiographs of all the patients. There was no significant difference in the carpal height ratio before and after surgery.
Conclusions: Proximal scaphoid fractures may require reconstruction of the articular surfaces of the radius, capitate, and lunate. Reconstruction with a rib osteochondral graft is flexible, easy to fabricate, and can reconstruct the three articular surfaces.
Keywords: Preiser’s Disease; Rib osteochondral graft; scaphoid nonunion; scaphoid proximal pole.