Primary vascularized distal radius bone graft for nonunion of the scaphoid

A vascularized bone graft from the dorsoradial aspect of the distal radius was used with internal fixation to treat nonunion of the scaphoid in ten patients who had not received any previous surgical treatment. Five cases were classified as Lichtman type I and five as type II. The average age was 30 years (range, 18-40 years). Associated avascular necrosis was observed in five cases. Postoperatively pain was relieved and union was achieved in all cases. The mean time to union was 6.5 weeks. Range of motion, grip strength and pinch strength were also restored satisfactorily. These results suggest that this vascularized bone graft should be used as the primary procedure in Lichtman type I and II of scaphoid nonunions, regardless of the presence of avascular necrosis of the proximal pole.