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We present an unusual case of a closed perilunate dorsal-dislocation of the carpus, with an associated scaphoid fracture. In this extreme case, the proximal scaphoid pole was extruded volarly and proximally. After closed manipulation, the proximal pole of the scaphoid was further dislocated dorsally, a phenomenon not previously described in the literature. At open reduction this fragment was noted to have no soft tissue attachment but after reduction, distal radius bone graft and compression screw fixation the scaphoid went on to unite with a good functional result. This case highlights a rare but serious injury to the wrist with an unusual dislocation pattern not previously described. It demonstrates that early surgical intervention to fix such fractures with an avascular fragment can still achieve fracture union, despite the severity.
Background: Subacute proximal pole scaphoid fractures (1 month to 6 months) have a higher risk of non-union. The aim of the present retrospective analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of gelled platelet-rich plasma (GPRP) as additional treatment to antegrade headless screw fixation of proximal pole scaphoid fractures.
Methods: Forty-one patients were divided into two groups based on surgical treatment received: screw fixation alone (group A) and screw fixation and GPRP application at the fracture site (group B). A short cast was maintained for 4 weeks after surgery. Outcome measures included time to union, need for additional procedures, time to return to work, disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire, Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) and Mayo wrist score (MWS).Time to union was determined by monthly radiographs and confirmed by a computerized tomographic (CT) scan done at 4 months.
Results: Union was achieved in 85.7% of patients in group A and in 100% of patients in group B. Patients in group B showed a faster time to healing (2.3 ± 0.4 months vs 3.1 ± 0.7 months, p = 0.0001) and earlier return to work (10.4 ± 2.2 vs 15.1 ± 2.9, p = 0.0001). There were no significant differences in patient-rated outcomes scores between the two groups at final follow-up.
Conclusions: Internal fixation alone is effective in treating subacute proximal pole scaphoid fractures. GPRP application improves bone healing and functional recovery.
Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic)