The Outcome of Using a Jamshidi Biopsy Trocar Needle in a Novel Technique for Bone Grafting in Percutaneous Internal Fixation of Scaphoid Non-Union

Introduction: We report the outcome of using a novel technique of minimally invasive internal fixation and distal radius bone grafting using the Jamishidi Trephine needle and biopsy/graft capture device.

Methods: The technique utilises a 8 mm incision at the distal pole of the scaphoid. The non-union is excavated using the standard Acutrak drill. An 8 gauge Jamshidi trephine needle is used to harvest bone graft from the distal radius which is impacted into the scaphoid and fixed with an Acutrak screw. Fifteen patients were available for retrospective review, 14 male, age mean 29.5 (15-56). Average time from injury to surgery was 167 days (45-72). Fractures classified according to Herbert giving 7 D1 and 8 D2 fractures, 14 waist and 1 proximal pole fractures, all of which had no humpback deformity.

Results: Sixty-six percentages of the fractures went onto unite, 4/7 D1 and 6/8 D2 united (p > 0.05). Seventy-five percentages of fracture that had surgery in less than 3 months from time of injury went onto unite, whereas only 63% united in patients who had surgery later than 3 months (p > 0.05). DASH outcome for all patients improved from 86 down to 32 (p < 0.05). With those that united going down from 90 to 6. Those that did not unite went from 81 to 61.

Conclusion: The Jamshidi bone grafting technique shows comparable results (union rate 66%) to other techniques published in the literature (27-100%) providing the surgeon with an alternative and less demanding procedure than open scaphoid non-union surgery.