Screw fixation in the management of the fractured carpal scaphoid.

Although most recent fractures of the carpal scaphoid unite with immobilisation in a well-fitting plaster, some fail to do so within a reasonable time, say three months. Fractures associated with perilunar dislocation are particularly prone to delay. For these, as well as for fractures showing delayed union or non-union, internal fixation provides a speedy return to activity. Over a period of ten years the method advocated by McLaughlin (1954) has been used with minor modifications in a series of patients with various types of fracture. The results are simply reported and some observations made; no attempt has been made at comparison with other methods of treatment. We would, however, like to stress the rapid return to work, which is seldom possible with immobilisation in a cast.