Vascularized versus non-vascularized bone grafting for scaphoid nonunion without avascular necrosis: a randomized clinical trial

In this clinical trial, patients were randomized to receive a pedicled vascularized bone graft, based on the 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery, or a non-vascularized iliac crest graft. Fixation was done with K-wires. Union and time to union were assessed using CT scans at regular intervals. Twenty-three patients received a vascularized graft, and 22 received a non-vascularized graft. Thirty-eight patients were available for union assessment and 23 for clinical measurements. There were no significant differences in union incidence, time to union, incidence of complications, patient-reported outcome scores, or wrist mobility and grip strength at final follow-up between the treatment groups. Smokers were 60% less likely to achieve union, independent of graft type. When controlling for smoking, patients receiving a vascularized graft were 72% more likely to achieve union. Given our small sample size, results should be interpreted with caution.Level of evidence: I.