Comparative meta-analysis on the various vascularized bone flaps used for the treatment of scaphoid nonunion.

We did a meta-analysis of the literature in order to clarify which of the vascularized bone flaps (VBF) used for scaphoid non-union treatment has the best outcome with regard to various parameters. We analyzed 54 articles that present nine different types of VBF. The analysis concerned demographical patient information, radiographic parameters, fracture classification, including the presence or non-presence of avascular necrosis of the scaphoid proximal pole (PP AVN), parameters that have to do with the surgery itself and the postoperative protocol, the healing of the nonunion and functional scores.