Background: Cavitary-type scaphoid non-unions represent one of the most difficult treatment challenges amongst all scaphoid non-unions as they exhibit bone loss, scaphoid shortening, flexion ('humpback') deformity and dorsal intercalated segmental instability (DISI), creating altered carpal mechanics which may proceed to the degenerative changes of scapholunate advanced collapse of the wrist. Our technique and its rationale are presented in the largest-to-date series on cavitary scaphoid non-unions exhibiting DISI.
Methods: Our technique for treatment of these cavitary non-unions is presented through a series of 27 patients.