The use of free vascularized corticoperiosteal grafts from the femur in the treatment of scaphoid non-union.

Abstract

Most scaphoid non-unions can be treated successfully with conventional bone graft and screw fixation. Only a few cases with established avascular necrosis of the proximal fragment and previous failed conventional bone grafting should undergo vascularized bone graft. Cases in which the fragments are too small to accommodate a vascularized bone graft are better treated by alternative procedures. This article describes the role of vascularized bone grafting for scaphoid non-union, indications, donor bone selection, the authors' operative technique for vascularized bone graft from the supracondylar region of the femur, outcomes, and complications.