Ununited proximal pole scaphoid fractures - Treatment with a Herbert screw in 16 cases followed for 0.5-8 years

We treated 16 cases of delayed union and nonunion of proximal one-third scaphoid fractures with cancellous bone grafting and retrograde insertion of a Herbert screw through a dorsal approach. Definite radiographic union was obtained in 13 of 16 patients after a median of 2 (0.5-8) years of follow-up. Using Cooney's clinical scoring system, 5 cases were excellent, 5 good, 5 fair and 1 poor. The treatment of ununited proximal pole scaphoid fractures with retrograde insertion of the Herbert screw offers the advantages of a short period of immobilization and a good function.