Journal of Musculoskeletal Trauma

Case Report

Fixation with two headless compression screws and a distal-radius bone graft for proximal scaphoid nonunion with dorsal intercalated segment instability deformity: a report of three cases: Seonjeong Lee, Won Sun Lee, Jae Kwang Kim; Received March 27, 2026 Accepted May 11, 2026 Published online July 7, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2026.00136 [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract PDF: Proximal scaphoid nonunion is difficult to treat because the proximal fragment is small and biologically compromised. Secure fixation can be especially challenging when dorsal intercalated segment instability (DISI) is present and requires correction. We report three male patients with proximal scaphoid nonunion and DISI deformity who underwent volar fixation with two 2.4-mm headless compression screws and cancellous bone graft harvested from the distal radius at the Lister tubercle. Preoperative computed tomography confirmed a proximal nonunion line and proximal fragment dimensions considered sufficient for dual-screw fixation, and magnetic resonance imaging showed no definite avascular necrosis. Early postoperative computed tomography showed maintained fixation and alignment in all three patients. Although CT-confirmed union at final follow-up was not uniformly available, radiographic union defined on plain radiographs was achieved in all cases without loss of alignment or carpal collapse. Carpal alignment improved in two patients, but DISI persisted in one. One patient underwent secondary removal of a preexisting loose body and one screw. This small case series suggests that dual-screw fixation with cancellous grafting may be technically feasible in selected proximal scaphoid nonunions with concomitant DISI. Level of evidence: IV.

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