Robot-assisted percutaneous scaphoid fixation: patient-reported outcomes and learning curve at two centres.

Abstract

This study describes patient-reported outcomes of robot-assisted percutaneous scaphoid fracture fixation of 62 patients from two medical centres and the learning curve of this new technique. One attempt to place the guidewire was sufficient in 97% of cases. All fractures achieved radiographic union at a mean of 9 weeks. There were no complications observed. At a mean follow-up of 36 months (range 12-68 months), the mean patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) was 2 (range 0-22) and the mean Mayo Wrist Score was 96 (range 70-100). After the initial ten to 20 cases, the learning phase was reasonably surmountable with a marked reduction of operative duration and improvement of the screw accuracy.<b>Level of evidence:</b> IV.