Publication: Capitate morphology as a risk factor for healing in scaphoid non-union
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Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
17531934
eISSN
20436289
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105023909950
Journal Title
Journal of Hand Surgery European Volume
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Hand Surgery European Volume (2025)
Suggested Citation
Hsu C.E., Vilai P., Wan R., Zhao C., Moran S.L. Capitate morphology as a risk factor for healing in scaphoid non-union. Journal of Hand Surgery European Volume (2025). doi:10.1177/17531934251399509 Retrieved from: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14740/54965
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Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
Introduction: This study investigated the association between capitate morphology and the success rates of non-vascularized bone graft (NVBG) and vascularized bone graft (VBG) operations for scaphoid nonunion. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 213 patients with established scaphoid non-union who underwent either non-vascularized bone graft (n = 75) or vascularized bone graft (n = 138). We analysed risk factors, including demographics, medical history, implant type, previous surgery, bone graft donor site and capitate morphology for their association with treatment outcome. We also assessed the relationship between capitate and scaphoid morphology in the uninjured wrists of 31 patients. Results: The overall success rate was 81% for NVBG and 86% for VBG, with no significant difference. For NVBG, Type II capitate, age 40 or older and tobacco use were significant risk factors for failure. For VBG, only previous surgery was a significant risk factor. In uninjured wrists, a Type II capitate was associated with a significantly thinner scaphoid waist and a lower waist index than a Type I capitate. Conclusion: Our study introduces a new radiographic classification of capitate morphology and establishes its significant association with scaphoid morphology. Beyond traditional factors, capitate morphology can help to assess scaphoid morphology and potentially infer vascularity, aiding the selection of the most appropriate bone graft type for treating scaphoid non-union.