Trapezio-lunate external fixation for scaphoid fractures. An experimental and clinical study.

Trapezio-lunate external fixation for scaphoid fractures has been investigated experimentally and clinically. Six below-elbow fresh amputation specimens in which proximal, waist and distal scaphoid fractures were created, displaced, reduced and externally fixed were used for an experimental study and after 10,000 extension-flexion movements of the wrist, no displacement was observed. A strain-gauge study confirmed the strains at the fracture site. Seven patients were treated in this way. No immobilization was necessary and all patients returned to their regular employment within 3 days and all fractures were united without displacement. The technique overcomes certain disadvantages of plaster fixation and internal fixation of scaphoid fractures.