Vol. 11, Issue 2 (2025)

Aim: It is to compare functional outcomes between percutaneous fixation and non-operative management in patients with acute scaphoid fractures.

Materials & Methods: This study is the retrospective study which was carried out in patients with acute undisplaced or minimally displaced (<1 mm) scaphoid fractures who were admitted to department of orthopedics at civil hospital, Ahmedabad between February 2020 to February 2025. 18 patients were included in Percutaneous fixation (group A) and 10 patients were included in non-operative management by a scaphoid cast (group B). Tine to union and time to return to work were compared and at 12 months’ follow-up range of motion (ROM), pain and overall wrist function was evaluated by Visual analogue score (VAS) and the Mayo modified wrist score (MMWS).

Results: Radiographically mean time to union (SD) in weeks was 6.12(0.67) in group A and 10.3(1.1) in group B (p=0.001). Mean time return to work (SD) in weeks was 5.8(1.4) in group A and 12.5(2.9) in group B (p=0.002). At 12 months’ follow-up Mean VAS was 1.8 in group A and 1.6 in group B(p=0.3). At 12 months’ follow-up Mean MMWS(SD) for group A was 98.23(4.1) and for group B was 86.9(8.5) with p=0.03.

Conclusion: Percutaneous fixation of undisplaced and minimally displaced scaphoid fractures provides more satisfied wrist function and early return to work as compared to non-operative by using a cast at 12 months’ follow-up.