Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40603779›Full record

SynthesisEuropean journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology : orthopedie traumatologie2025

Surgical treatment of carpal scaphoid non-union: a systematic review.

Guido Bocchino, Adriano Cannella, Andrea Santoro, Alessandro El Motassime, Francesco Cavola, Giulia Maria Sassara, Ludovico Caruso, Rocco Maria Comodo, Francesco Liuzza, Rocco De Vitis

Abstract readSystematic Review
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology : orthopedie traumatologie, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Guido BocchinoFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.
Adriano CannellaUniversità Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy. adriano.cansa@gmail.com.
Andrea SantoroUniversità Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.
Alessandro El MotassimeFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.
Francesco CavolaFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.
Giulia Maria SassaraUniversità Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.
Ludovico CarusoFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, Roma, Italy.
Rocco Maria ComodoFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.
Francesco LiuzzaUniversità Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.
Rocco De VitisUniversità Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionScaphoid non-union is a challenging orthopaedic condition, frequently resulting from missed or untreated fractures of the scaphoid bone. Delayed diagnosis or inadequate treatment can lead to long-term complications, such as osteoarthritis and carpal collapse. Various surgical techniques are employed to address scaphoid non-union, each with differing success rates and indications. This review aims to evaluate the most effective surgical interventions for scaphoid non-union and provide an overview of treatment outcomes and advances in the field.

methodsA comprehensive literature search was performed using databases including PubMed and MEDLINE to identify studies published from 2014 to 2024. Articles that focused on surgical techniques for scaphoid non-union, including vascularized bone grafting, non-vascularized bone grafting, and fixation methods, were included. The primary outcomes assessed were union rates, functional outcomes, and complication rates across different techniques.

resultsSurgical options for scaphoid non-union are varied and include non-vascularized bone grafting, vascularized bone grafting, PRP and fixation with K-wire, screws, staples or plates. Non-vascularized bone grafting is most effective in early-stage non-union with minimal bone resorption, while vascularized grafts show superior outcomes in avascular necrosis or cases with poor blood supply. Percutaneous screw fixation offers a minimally invasive option with high union rates, though complex cases often require open surgery. Also bone graft without any fixation is effective. Overall, the union rates ranged from 70 to 95%, with higher success in non-complex cases. Complications include graft failure, persistent non-union, and donor site morbidity.

conclusionsSurgical treatment of scaphoid non-union is highly dependent on the stage of non-union, vascular status, and patient-specific factors. Vascularized bone grafting and advanced fixation techniques have improved outcomes, particularly in complex cases. However, optimal treatment requires individualized approaches based on the extent of non-union and blood supply. Future research should focus on refining surgical techniques and exploring regenerative approaches to enhance healing in difficult cases.

Indexed as

Bone TransplantationFracture Fixation, InternalFractures, UnunitedScaphoid BoneBone ScrewsHumansTreatment OutcomeCancellous bone graftCarpalCortical bone graftScaphoidScaphoid fractureScaphoid non-unionVascularized bone grafts

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.