Incidence of osteoarthritis in the scapho-trapezial joint after Herbert screw fixation of the scaphoid

Twenty patients treated with a Herbert screw for scaphoid fractures (acute or non-union) were reviewed and X-rayed 5-10 years later to assess whether there were degenerative changes in the scapho-trapezial joint due to insertion of the screw. Six had some irregularity in the lateral part of that joint, three of which followed backing-out of the screw. Two others were described as showing irregularity all round the scaphoid but, apart from these, no radiological abnormalities were seen in the central or ulnar part of the scapho-trapezial joint, or on the proximal tip of the scaphoid.