Scaphoid proximal pole fracture with avascular necrosis is a complex surgical problem. In some cases, it's possible to perform a scaphoid hemiarthroplasty with an adaptative proximal scaphoid implant (APSI), made of pyrocarbon, replacing the necrotic proximal pole. APSI allows an early mobilization of the wrist, an optimal recovery of strength and a rapid return to normal daily and work activities without limitations. This implant delays palliative and more invasive surgical treatments in patients that are generally young with high functional demands. The investigators have performed a long-term follow up (with a mean follow-up of 17 years) of the early cases of APSI implant performed, starting from 1999. Radiographic and clinical strength recovery, along with subjective outcomes, have been shown to be good, with a rapid return to daily and work activities, indicating that APSI implants are a good alternative to traditional and invasive techniques.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
36
The adaptative proximal scaphoid implant (APSI) is a pyrocarbon partial scaphoid prosthesis, ovoid and unfixed, which replaces the proximal pole of the scaphoid and allows adaptative mobility in the movements of the first chain and restores the geometry of the carpus, thus preventing the evolution in SNAC (Scaphoid Non-union Advanced Collapse). Pyrocarbon has good compatibility with joint cartilage and bone, a modulus of elasticity similar to bone minimizing stress shielding effects and resorption. The implant is designed with two radii of curvature: in the frontal plane, the smaller radius of curvature corresponds to the scaphoid fossa, and the larger radius of curvature is directed anteroposteriorly to the transverse plane. When it's correctly positioned, the smallest radius of the curvature is visible in the anteroposterior view, whereas it's greater in the lateral view. These two axes of the implant make it adaptable to the kinematics of the wrist.
Radiographic outcome
X-Rays showed that all the implants were correctly positioned, without any particular or evident erosion of the surrounding bone structures. A pattern of moderate or non-severe degree of arthrosis of the wrist could generally be found. By comparing the X-rays taken at the follow-up, it was possible to detect a general slight evolution of the arthritic in the wrist compared to what was visible at the beginning of the treatment, in all the patients.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 17 year
DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand)
The DASH is a self-administered questionnaire of over 30 questions designed to measure function and symptoms in patients with any musculoskeletal disorder of the upper limb. MAX 100, MIN 0
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 17 year
PRWE (Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation)
The PRWE is a 15-item questionnaire designed to measure wrist pain and disability in activities of daily living. MAX 50, MIN 0
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 17 year
VAS (Visual Analogue Scale)
The pain VAS is a unidimensional measure of pain intensity, used to record patients' pain progression, or compare pain severity between patients with similar conditions. MAX 10, MIN 0
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 17 year
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