Scaphoid Fractures and Nonunion: A Survey-based Review of Hand Surgeon’s Practice and the Evidence

Purpose

The Evidence-Based Practice Committee of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand set out to assess the membership’s practice patterns (PPs) and familiarity with evidence-based principles for scaphoid fracture and nonunion management.

Methods

Using a consensus-generated 25-item online survey, all the American Society for Surgery of the Hand members were invited to participate via email in September 2023. Two question types were used including evidence-based practice (EBP) and PPs. The survey was divided into the following subtopics: minimally displaced scaphoid fracture, operative options for scaphoid fixation, and treatment of scaphoid nonunion.

Results

Of 9 EBP questions, only one was answered with the preferred response by >80% of surgeons. The remaining seven EBP questions had greater frequencies of less preferred responses. These questions concerned the current evidence for initial imaging options, optimal nonsurgical immobilization, percutaneous management, and the identification and treatment of nonunion. Of the PP questions, there were substantial differences of opinion on the choice of bone graft for nonunion, revisions, and patients with avascular necrosis. Nearly unanimous agreement was found for the use of headless compression screws for scaphoid fixation; however, the choice of approach for waist fixation was split between dorsal and volar percutaneous techniques and an open dorsal approach.

Conclusions

Scaphoid fracture and nonunion management continues to be an area of expanding evidence. There remain opportunities for our community to improve knowledge and familiarization with current evidence-based data. Many PPs areas demonstrated substantial agreement among the membership; however, there are areas of differences particularly graft choice, optimal approach for waist fixation, and postfixation protocols. Knowledge and familiarity with peer practices may help develop future areas of research and help to optimize patient care through a critically review and interpretation of the evidence.

Type of study/level of evidence

Economic/decision analyses V.