Simplified scaphoid reconstruction technique with Zaidemberg's vascularized radial graft

SummaryFor more than 10 years, we have been using a simplified reconstruction technique for scaphoid non-unions that involves the use of a graft first described by Zaidemberg et al. [1]. This approach requires that an island bone graft harvested from the radial styloid and pedicled on the 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery be embedded into the site of the non-union. The objective of our technical modifications was to simplify the harvesting and handling of the graft and the internal fixation. This technique is only used for cases of scaphoid non-union with avascular changes in the proximal fragment, repeated non-union after bone grafting and internal fixation, chronic non-union with osteophyte formation in the dorso-radial aspect and fracture secondary to Preiser disease.