HERBERT SCREW FIXATION BY LIMITED ACCESS FOR ACUTE FRACTURES OF THE SCAPHOID

We describe a semi-closed method of Herbert screw fixation for acute f ractures of the scaphoid, All 40 patients treated achieved solid union with satisfactory wrist function, This technique gave a significantly shorter time to union and allowed an earlier return to manual labour compared with conservative treatment. There were no complications. Sem i-closed insertion requires considerable skill, but produces consisten tly satisfactory results after minimal exposure of the scaphoid.