The Authors' Technique for Volar Plating of Scaphoid Nonunion.

Abstract

Internal fixation of the scaphoid using a plate has been reported in the literature as far back as 1977. Recently, a specific plate designed for scaphoids has been developed, which provides considerably more buttress support than intramedullary headless screws, and offers a reliable method of rigid internal fixation for complex fractures. Indications to use such a plate include complex acute fractures, such as those with significant waist comminution or steep reverse oblique fractures, and complex nonunions with central bone loss resulting from failed previous headless screw fixation. This is now the authors' preferred treatment for these injuries.