Percutaneous autogenous bone marrow grafting with elastic band immobilization to treat scaphoid nonunions

Objective To explore the efficacy of percutaneous autogenous bone marrow grafting with elastic band external fixation in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion. Methods A marrow needle was inserted into the site of the scaphoid nonunion under X-ray observation. Simultaneously a total of 5-10 ml bone marrow aspirated from the anterior iliac crest was injected at the nonunion site immediately. The wrist in neutral position was immobilized with elastic band after injection. Results In 19 patients with scaphoid nonunions, 16 healed. The time to union was 5 to 13 months (average 6.5 months). Conclusions Percutaneous autogenous bone marrow grafting to treat scaphoid nonunions is a simple, less traumatic and effective method.