Percutaneous fixation of the scaphoid through a dorsal approach: an anatomic study.

Purpose: Percutaneous surgical treatment of nondisplaced scaphoid fractures is becoming more common. Although the surgical anatomy at risk has been well described for the volar approach to the scaphoid, we have not found articles elucidating the dangers with a percutaneous dorsal approach. Additionally, direct placement of the screw is not possible with a percutaneous approach, and there is a risk of not seating the screw below the subchondral bone.

Two potential causes of EPL rupture after distal radius volar plate fixation.

Rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon can occur after volar plate fixation of dorsally comminuted distal radius fractures. We attempted to identify the etiology of extensor pollicis longus tendon injury after volar plate fixation of the distal radius and potential solutions to this problem. After describing two case reports, we examine six cadaveric specimens and retrospectively review 10 selected patients to evaluate possible technique refinements to minimize damage to the extensor pollicis longus tendon during volar plating of the distal radius.

Management of posttraumatic segmental bone defects.

Because of difficulty in managing posttraumatic segmental bone defects and the resultant poor outcomes, amputation historically was the preferred treatment. Massive cancellous bone autograft has been the principal alternative to amputation. Primary shortening or use of the adjacent fibula as a graft also has been used to attempt limb salvage.