Clinical Research Studies

The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal approach for treating scaphoid nonunions surgically. A scaphoid nonunion occurs when you have a fractured scaphoid bone which is located in the palm of your hand, and the fractured pieces do not join and heal 6 months after injury.

This is typically treated in a variety of ways. However, each approach aims to place the fractured scaphoid pieces in closer proximity in order to allow the fractured pieces to rejoin and heal. For the purposes of this study, we would like to determine if using a plate or compression screws results in faster healing time and better hand movement for patients who require surgery in order to fix their scaphoid fracture. Since plates and screws are currently used interchangeably for this procedure, determining if there is any benefit to using one over the other could impact future practice.

As Medartis volar locking plates and headless compression screws are typically used in scaphoid nonunion surgery, we are not introducing a new technique or technology. Usually, the preferred approach is chosen by the surgeon. For the purposes of this study, we have asked surgeons in the Division of Hand Surgery which technique they would like to use throughout this study. Surgeons with no preference will be assigned to either group accordingly to get an even split.