Free Medial Femoral Condyle Flap for Reconstruction of Scaphoid Nonunion: A Systematic Review

Background The free medial femoral condyle (MFC) bone flap is an attractive option for reconstruction of scaphoid nonunion utilizing vascularized bone to augment bony healing, especially in cases of failed prior treatment or osteonecrosis. This review aims to determine the role and reliability of the free MFC flap for treatment of scaphoid nonunion. Methods A search of electronic databases was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles examining free MFC bone flaps for treatment of scaphoid nonunion were included for analysis. Outcomes of interest included flap failure, postoperative union rate, time to union, carpal indices, functional outcomes, and complications. Results Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria. A total of 262 patients underwent free MFC flaps for treatment of scaphoid nonunion. The most common site of nonunion was the proximal pole of the scaphoid with 47% of patients receiving prior attempts at operative management. Overall bony union rate was 93.4% with a mean time to union of 15.6 weeks. There were no flap failures reported. Improvements in carpal indices including scapholunate (p < 0.0004), radiolunate (p < 0.004), lateral interscaphoid angles (p < 0.035), and revised carpal ratio height (p < 0.024) were seen postoperatively. Visual analog scale improved postoperatively from 6.5 to 2.3 (p < 0.015). Postoperative complications were observed in 69 cases (26.3%), with 27 patients (10.3%) requiring further operative intervention. However, no major donor or recipient site morbidity was appreciated. Conclusion MFC flaps provide a highly versatile and reliable option for reconstruction of scaphoid nonunion with excellent bony union rates and acceptable complication rates. The present literature suggests that MFC reconstruction of scaphoid nonunion restores radiocarpal anatomy and improves wrist function without causing significant donor or recipient site morbidity.

Fracture, nonunion and postoperative infection risk in the smoking orthopaedic patient: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyse negative effects of smoking in orthopaedic and trauma patients. A PubMed search was carried out for studies published until July 2020 regarding effects of smoking on fracture risk, nonunion, infection after orthopaedic surgery, and persisting nonunion after scaphoid nonunion surgery. Random effects models calculated for outcome parameters, and relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals are provided. No adjustments for covariates were made. Heterogeneity was assessed with Higgins’ I2, publication bias with Harbord’s p (Hp), sensitivity analysis performed on funnel plots and quality of studies was analysed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Of 3362 retrieved entries, 69 were included in the final analysis. Unadjusted RR for smokers to develop vertebral (six studies, seven entries; RR: 1.61; p = 0.008; I2 = 89.4%), hip (11 studies, 15 entries; RR: 1.28; p = 0.007; I2 = 84.1%), and other fractures (eight studies, 10 entries; RR: 1.75; p = 0.019; I2 = 89.3%) was significantly higher. Postoperative infection risk was generally higher for smokers (21 studies; RR: 2.20; p < 0.001; I2 = 58.9%), and remained upon subgroup analysis for elective spinal (two studies; RR: 4.38; p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%) and fracture surgery (19 studies; RR: 2.10; p < 0.001; I2 = 58.5%). Nonunion risk after orthopaedic (eight studies; RR: 2.15; p < 0.001; I2 = 35.9%) and fracture surgery (11 studies; RR: 1.85; p < 0.001; I2 = 39.9%) was significantly higher for smokers, as was persisting nonunion risk after surgery for scaphoid nonunion (five studies; RR: 3.52; p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%). Sensitivity analysis for each model reduced heterogeneity whilst maintaining significance (all I2 < 20.0%). Smoking has a deleterious impact on fracture incidence, and (subsequent) development of nonunions and postoperative infections. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:1006-1019. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.210058

SLAC and SNAC Wrist: The Top Five Things That General Radiologists Need to Know

Wrist osteoarthritis (OA) is a common painful condition that affects the patient’s quality of life by limiting the range of wrist motion and grip strength. Wrist OA often results from scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) or scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC). Early diagnosis of SLAC and SNAC is crucial because it affects treatment planning. Thus, radiologists should be able to interpret the early imaging findings. This pictorial review discusses the pathophysiology and the clinical symptoms of SLAC and SNAC and presents the imaging findings with emphasis on the proper imaging algorithm. Finally, it focuses on the treatment according to the degenerative status of each of these patterns.

Lateral approach for scaphoid excision and capitolunate arthrodesis in the treatment of scapholunate advanced collapse and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrists

Background Four-corner arthrodesis (4-CA) is an effective treatment for scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC). Capitolunate arthrodesis is an alternative option that limits intercarpal fusion. We propose a lateral approach using a small incision over the scaphoid anatomic snuffbox, which could be a straightforward method for performing scaphoid excision and capitolunate arthrodesis. This approach would be beneficial for shortening the operative time, facilitating bone healing, and improving wrist motion. Methods Between 2016 and 2020, eight patients were enrolled retrospectively and underwent the lateral approach for scaphoid excision and capitolunate arthrodesis. We presented the radiographic outcomes, including fusion status, capitolunate angle, and carpal height ratio. The functional outcomes of wrist range of motion, grip strength, pain, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, and Mayo wrist score were evaluated. Results Fusion could be achieved, without complications, in all eight patients, and the mean follow-up period was 22.4 months (12–38 months). Five operations were completed within 1 h and 30 min. Postoperatively, the mean capitolunate angle and carpal height ratio improved from 19.6o to 2.4o and 0.44–0.51%, respectively. At the final follow-up, the average flexion-extension arc was 76.3o, visual analogue scale for pain was 0.9, QuickDASH score was 26.4, and Mayo wrist score was 72.5. Conclusions The lateral approach for scaphoid excision and capitoluante arthrodesis in treating SLAC and SNAC could have several advantages, including easy performance since it is similar to the open method and the lack of need for dorsal wrist opening and closure, which may preserve surrounding circulation, avoid the formation of a dorsal scar, and mimic the advantages of arthroscopic treatment.