Comparison of the results and complications of palmar and dorsal miniinvasive approaches in the surgery of scaphoid fractures. A prospective randomized study.

AIMS To compare the functional results and complications associated with palmar percutaneous and dorsal limited approaches in the surgical treatment of nondisplaced or minimally displaced scaphoid fractures type B2. METHODS A total of 76 patients with acute nondisplaced or minimally displaced type B2 scaphoid fractures were included in a prospective randomised study. The assignment patients to groups according to type of operative approach was based on systematic sampling. Clinical follow-up, X-ray or CT imaging were performed at four, eight and twelve weeks and one year after the surgery. Patient satisfaction and the results of DASH form were evaluated as well. The differences were statistically tested. RESULTS We found significantly better flexion and grip strength in the group of palmar percutaneous aprroach during the follow-up examination at eight weeks after the surgery. Significantly better flexion of the same group persisted at twelve-week follow-up examination. No differences in results or complications were statistically significant up to one year follow up. CONCLUSIONS We found no advantage to the palmar percutaneous approach in the treatment of nondisplaced and minimally displaced scaphoid fractures type B2 compared to dorsal limited approach.