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Ryan PJ, Duckworth AD, McEachan JE, Jenkins PJ. The incidence of surgical intervention following a suspected scaphoid fracture. Bone Jt Open 2024; 5:312-316. [PMID: 38626919 PMCID: PMC11021995 DOI: 10.1302/2633-1462.54.bjo-2023-0059.r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Aims The underlying natural history of suspected scaphoid fractures (SSFs) is unclear and assumed poor. There is an urgent requirement to develop the literature around SSFs to quantify the actual prevalence of intervention following SSF. Defining the risk of intervention following SSF may influence the need for widespread surveillance and screening of SSF injuries, and could influence medicolegal actions around missed scaphoid fractures. Methods Data on SSF were retrospectively gathered from virtual fracture clinics (VFCs) across a large Scottish Health Board over a four-year period, from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021. The Bluespier Electronic Patient Record System identified any surgical procedure being undertaken in relation to a scaphoid injury over the same time period. Isolating patients who underwent surgical intervention for SSF was performed by cross-referencing the unique patient Community Health Index number for patients who underwent these scaphoid procedures with those seen at VFCs for SSF over this four-year period. Results In total, 1,739 patients were identified as having had a SSF. Five patients (0.28%) underwent early open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). One patient (0.06%) developed a nonunion and underwent ORIF with bone grafting. All six patients undergoing surgery were male (p = 0.005). The overall rate of intervention following a SSF was 0.35%. The early intervention rate in those undergoing primary MRI was one (0.36%), compared with three in those without (0.27%) (p > 0.576). Conclusion Surgical intervention was rare following a SSF and was not required in females. A primary MRI policy did not appear to be associated with any change in primary or secondary intervention. These data are the first and largest in recent literature to quantify the prevalence of surgical intervention following a SSF, and may be used to guide surveillance and screening pathways as well as define medicolegal risk involved in missing a true fracture in SSFs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paul J. Jenkins
- Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD), NHS Golden Jubilee, Clydebank, UK
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Dean BJF, Riley N, Little C, Sheehan W, Gidwani S, Brewster M, Dhiman P, Costa ML. The rate of nonunion in the MRI-detected occult scaphoid fracture. Bone Joint J 2024; 106-B:387-393. [PMID: 38555933 DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.106b4.bjj-2023-1171.r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Aims There is a lack of published evidence relating to the rate of nonunion seen in occult scaphoid fractures, diagnosed only after MRI. This study reports the rate of delayed union and nonunion in a cohort of patients with MRI-detected acute scaphoid fractures. Methods This multicentre cohort study at eight centres in the UK included all patients with an acute scaphoid fracture diagnosed on MRI having presented acutely following wrist trauma with normal radiographs. Data were gathered retrospectively for a minimum of 12 months at each centre. The primary outcome measures were the rate of acute surgery, delayed union, and nonunion. Results A total of 1,989 patients underwent acute MRI for a suspected scaphoid fracture during the study period, of which 256 patients (12.9%) were diagnosed with a previously occult scaphoid fracture. Of the patients with scaphoid fractures, six underwent early surgical fixation (2.3%) and there was a total of 16 cases of delayed or nonunion (6.3%) in the remaining 250 patients treated with cast immobilization. Of the nine nonunions (3.5%), seven underwent surgery (2.7%), one opted for non-surgical treatment, and one failed to attend follow-up. Of the seven delayed unions (2.7%), one (0.4%) was treated with surgery at two months, one (0.4%) did not attend further follow-up, and the remaining five fractures (1.9%) healed after further cast immobilization. All fractures treated with surgery had united at follow-up. There was one complication of surgery (prominent screw requiring removal). Conclusion MRI-detected scaphoid fractures are not universally benign, with delayed or nonunion of scaphoid fractures diagnosed only after MRI seen in over 6% despite appropriate initial immobilization, with most of these patients with nonunion requiring surgery to achieve union. This study adds weight to the evidence base supporting the use of early MRI for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J F Dean
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sam Gidwani
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Paula Dhiman
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matt L Costa
- Trauma Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Leopold SS. Editor's Spotlight/Take 5: Routine MRI Among Patients With a Suspected Scaphoid Fracture Risks Overdiagnosis. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2023; 481:2303-2308. [PMID: 37909913 PMCID: PMC10642870 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000002914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Seth S. Leopold
- Editor-in-Chief, Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®, Park Ridge, IL, USA
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Ring D, McEachan JE, Dean BJF. Clinical Faceoff: Strategies for Management of Suspected Scaphoid Fractures. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2023; 481:2332-2336. [PMID: 37882075 PMCID: PMC10642888 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000002902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David Ring
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Jane E. McEachan
- Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline, Fife, United Kingdom
- Fife Virtual Hand Clinic, Dunfermline, Fife, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin J. F. Dean
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Gray RRL, Halpern AL, King SR, Anderson JE. Scaphoid fracture and nonunion: new directions. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2023; 48:4S-10S. [PMID: 37704024 DOI: 10.1177/17531934231165419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The scaphoid is the largest of the carpal bones, articulating with both proximal and distal carpal rows. If scaphoid fractures are not appropriately diagnosed and treated, there is a risk of nonunion, osteonecrosis and degenerative arthritis. Operative management of the scaphoid fracture is primarily determined by the fracture location and amount of displacement. There is increased momentum for dual screw fixation constructs, intended to provide greater stability and reduce the risk of nonunion. Our current practice is to utilize two screws without graft as a first-line treatment for scaphoid nonunion with or without humpback deformity and cyst formation. This review will discuss the management of acute scaphoid fractures and the treatment of nonunion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert R L Gray
- NorthShore Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chicago, IL, USA
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Dean BJF, Berridge A, Berkowitz Y, Little C, Sheehan W, Riley N, Costa M, Sellon E. The reliability and clinical utility of a simple MRI based classification tool for acute scaphoid injuries: the OxSMART. Bone Jt Open 2022; 3:913-920. [DOI: 10.1302/2633-1462.311.bjo-2022-0129.r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The evidence demonstrating the superiority of early MRI has led to increased use of MRI in clinical pathways for acute wrist trauma. The aim of this study was to describe the radiological characteristics and the inter-observer reliability of a new MRI based classification system for scaphoid injuries in a consecutive series of patients. Methods We identified 80 consecutive patients with acute scaphoid injuries at one centre who had presented within four weeks of injury. The radiographs and MRI scans were assessed by four observers, two radiologists, and two hand surgeons, using both pre-existing classifications and a new MRI based classification tool, the Oxford Scaphoid MRI Assessment Rating Tool (OxSMART). The OxSMART was used to categorize scaphoid injuries into three grades: contusion (grade 1); unicortical fracture (grade 2); and complete bicortical fracture (grade 3). Results In total there were 13 grade 1 injuries, 11 grade 2 injuries, and 56 grade 3 injuries in the 80 consecutive patients. The inter-observer reliability of the OxSMART was substantial (Kappa = 0.711). The inter-observer reliability of detecting an obvious fracture was moderate for radiographs (Kappa = 0.436) and MRI (Kappa = 0.543). Only 52% (29 of 56) of the grade 3 injuries were detected on plain radiographs. There were two complications of delayed union, both of which occurred in patients with grade 3 injuries, who were promptly treated with cast immobilization. There were no complications in the patients with grade 1 and 2 injuries and the majority of these patients were treated with early mobilization as pain allowed. Conclusion This MRI based classification tool, the OxSMART, is reliable and clinically useful in managing patients with acute scaphoid injuries. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):913–920.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J. F. Dean
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anna Berridge
- East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Colchester, UK
| | | | | | - Warren Sheehan
- Emergency Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Stirling PHC, Simpson CJ, Ring D, Duckworth AD, McEachan JE. Virtual management of clinically suspected scaphoid fractures. Bone Joint J 2022; 104-B:709-714. [PMID: 35638214 DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.104b6.bjj-2021-1464.r2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to describe the introduction of a virtual pathway for the management of patients with a suspected fracture of the scaphoid, and to report patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and satisfaction following treatment using this service. METHODS All adult patients who presented with a clinically suspected scaphoid fracture that was not visible on radiographs at the time of presentation during a one-year period were eligible for inclusion in the pathway. Demographic details, findings on examination, and routine four-view radiographs at the time of presentation were collected. All radiographs were reviewed virtually by a single consultant hand surgeon, with patient-initiated follow-up on request. PROMs were assessed at a minimum of one year after presentation and included the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (QuickDASH), the EuroQol five-dimension five-level health questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), the Net Promoter Score (NPS), and return to work. RESULTS A total of 221 patients were referred to the virtual pathway. Their mean age was 41 years (range 16 to 87) and there were 99 male patients (45%). A total of 189 patients (86%) were discharged with advice and 19 (9%) were recalled for clinical review: seven with an undisplaced scaphoid fracture, six with another fracture of the hand or wrist, two with a scapholunate ligament injury, and four in whom no abnormality was detected. A total of 13 patients (6%) initiated follow-up with the hand service: no fracture or ligament injury was identified in this group. PROMs were available for 179 patients (81%) at a mean follow-up of 19 months (range 13 to 33). The median QuickDASH score was 2.3 (interquartile range (IQR) 0 to 15.9), the median EQ-5D-5L was 0.85 (IQR 0.73 to 1.00), the NPS was 76, and 173 patients (97%) were satisfied with their treatment. There were no documented cases of symptomatic nonunion one year following injury. CONCLUSION We describe the introduction of a virtual pathway for the management of patients with a suspected scaphoid fracture. We found high levels of patient satisfaction, excellent PROMs, and no detrimental effects in the vast majority of cases. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):709-714.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Ring
- Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA
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Abstract
AIMS Current National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance advises that MRI direct from the emergency department (ED) should be considered for suspected scaphoid fractures. This study reports the current management of suspected scaphoid fractures in the UK and assesses adherence with NICE guidance. METHODS This national cross-sectional study was carried out at 87 NHS centres in the UK involving 122 EDs and 184 minor injuries units (MIUs). The primary outcome was availability of MRI imaging direct from the ED. We also report the specifics of patient management pathways for suspected scaphoid fractures in EDs, MIUs, and orthopaedic services. Overall, 62 of 87 centres (71%) had a guideline for the management of suspected scaphoid fractures. RESULTS A total of 11 of 87 centres (13%) had MRI directly available from the ED. Overall, 14 centres (17%) used cross-sectional imaging direct from the ED: MRI in 11 (13%), CT in three (3%), and a mixture of MRI/CT in one (1%). Four centres (6%) used cross-sectional imaging direct from the MIU: MRI in three (4%) and CT in two (2%). Of 87 centres' orthopaedic specialist services, 74 (85%) obtained repeat radiographs, while the most common form of definitive imaging used was MRI in 55 (63%), CT in 16 (19%), mixture of MRI/CT in three (3%), and radiographs in 11 (13%). CONCLUSION Only a small minority of centres currently offer MRI directly from the ED for patients with a suspected scaphoid fracture. Further research is needed to investigate the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of NICE guidance. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(11):997-1003.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J F Dean
- NDORMS, University of Oxford Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford, UK
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