Surgical angiogenesis for scaphoid non-union: a literature review

Abstract

Non-union of scaphoid bone fractures, though an uncommon occurance, are a signficant cause of morbidity in young patients. This review outlines the current understanding of vascularised bone grafts and non-union, and examines the most current clinical literature regarding the role of these procedures in modern orthopaedic practice. Composite evidence from level III studies would support using osseous grafts on a vascular pedicle for patients with non-union of the proximal end of the scaphoid with associated avascular necrosis and in cases of revision surgery where a previous non-vascularised graft has failed to achieve bony union.