The Use of Doppler Ultrasound to Assess the Blood Flow of Pedicled Vascularized Bone Grafting for Scaphoid Nonunions.

This study aims to assess the blood flow and the vascularity pattern across the newly bridged vascularized bone grafts for scaphoid nonunions using three-dimensional (3D) high frequency power Doppler ultrasonography and its role in the union.  A total of 26 patients with scaphoid nonunions were operated with 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery (ICSRA) graft. CT scan and 3D high frequency power Doppler ultrasonography were performed in all patients between 12 and 18 weeks, and its results were analyzed.  Doppler ultrasonography confirmed the pulsatile flow and vascularity across the pedicle and vascularized bone graft incorporation into the scaphoid nonunion site.  3D high frequency power Doppler ultrasonography is a simple, noninvasive, nonradiation, reproducible, and well-reliable diagnostic modality in assessing the blood flow and vascularity of the bone grafts used for scaphoid nonunions.  This is a Level IV study.