SILICONE REPLACEMENT FOR NONUNION OF THE SCAPHOID - 7 CASES FOLLOWED FOR 9 (5-18) YEARS

In the years 1971-1983, 7 patients underwent excision of the scaphoid with replacement by a silicone rubber implant because of painful nonun ion of a scaphoid fracture. The patients were reviewed 9 (4.5-18) year s postoperatively. All patients returned to work, 2 patients being com pletely pain-free, 4 having only occasional pain on heavy activity, an d 1 having pain on normal activity. The range of motion, power and pin ch grip were near-normal in all. Radiographic examination showed progr essive dorsal intercalated segment instability with carpal collapse an d arthrosis. There was no evidence of fragmentation of, or reaction to the prosthesis. 1 prosthesis was dislocated, and no patient required a revision operation.