Name of the Procedure:

Open treatment of carpal scaphoid (navicular) fracture, includes internal fixation, when performed

Common Name(s):

• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the scaphoid
• Scaphoid fracture surgery

Summary

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the carpal scaphoid, also known as the navicular bone, is a surgical procedure to realign and stabilize a fractured scaphoid bone in the wrist using internal hardware like screws or pins.

Purpose

Medical Condition:

This procedure addresses fractures of the scaphoid bone in the wrist.

Goals:

• Realign the bone fragments to ensure proper healing.
• Stabilize the fracture using internal fixation devices (e.g., screws, pins).
• Restore wrist function and prevent long-term complications like nonunion or avascular necrosis.

Indications

Symptoms or Conditions:

• Severe scaphoid fractures that cannot be treated with casting alone.
• Nonunion or delayed healing of a previously treated scaphoid fracture.
• Displaced fractures where bone fragments are significantly out of alignment.
• Persistent pain and limited wrist movement after initial treatment.

Patient Criteria:

• Patients with active, physically demanding lifestyles.
• Patients experiencing ongoing pain and functional impairment.
• Nonresponsive cases to conservative treatments like casting and splinting.

Preparation

Pre-procedure Instructions:

• Fasting for at least 6-8 hours before the surgery if general anesthesia will be used.
• Stopping certain medications such as blood thinners, as advised by the doctor.

Diagnostic Tests:

• Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the fracture.
• Routine preoperative blood tests and medical evaluations.

Procedure Description

Steps:

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia or regional anesthesia through a wrist block.
2. Incision: A surgical incision is made over the wrist area.
3. Exposure: The fractured scaphoid bone is carefully exposed.
4. Reduction: The bone fragments are realigned into their normal positions.
5. Internal Fixation: Screws or pins are inserted to stabilize the bone fragments.
6. Closure: The surgical site is closed with sutures and sterile dressings are applied.

Tools/Equipment:

• Surgical screws and pins
• Orthopedic drill
• Sterile surgical instruments

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 1 - 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the fracture.

Setting

Performed in a hospital operating room or a specialized surgical center.

Personnel

• Orthopedic surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurses
• Operating room technicians

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Infection at the surgical site
• Bleeding
• Pain at the incision or in the wrist area

Rare Complications:

• Nonunion (failure of the bone to heal)
• Avascular necrosis (bone death due to disrupted blood supply)
• Hardware complications (e.g., screw loosening or migration)

Benefits

Expected Benefits:

• Pain relief and improved wrist function.
• Proper bone healing and realignment.
• Prevention of long-term complications.

Onset of Benefits:

• Initial pain relief and return to daily activities within a few weeks.
• Full benefits experienced after complete healing, typically in 3-6 months.

Recovery

Post-Procedure Care:

• Keeping the wrist elevated and applying ice to reduce swelling.
• Wearing a splint or cast for several weeks.
• Physical therapy to regain wrist strength and mobility.

Recovery Time:

• Initial recovery in about 6-8 weeks.
• Full recovery and return to high-impact activities in 3-6 months.

Restrictions:

• Avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities initially.
• Follow-up appointments for X-rays to monitor healing.

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options:

• Conservative management with casting or splinting.
• Percutaneous pinning (less invasive).
• Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy.

Pros and Cons:

• Conservative treatments: Non-invasive but may not be effective for severe fractures.
• Percutaneous pinning: Less invasive but may offer less stable fixation compared to ORIF.

Patient Experience

During the Procedure:

• The patient will be under anesthesia and should not feel pain.

After the Procedure:

• Postoperative pain managed with prescribed pain medications.
• Some discomfort, swelling, and limited wrist mobility initially.
• Physical therapy for improved recovery.

Pain Management:

• Prescription painkillers initially followed by over-the-counter pain relief as needed.
• Regular follow-ups to ensure proper healing and pain control.