Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) is occasionally required in complicated fractures1. Although prophylactic antibiotics have been recommended by some researchers as a routine in clean orthopedic surgery2, this remains controversial3 and does not represent community Standard of Care for ORIF of scaphoid fracture.
Scaphoid nonunion is common4. The treatment of choice is screw fixation with grafting5 but such procedures are sometimes complicated by postoperative infection and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)6. Eventual osteoarthrosis is not unusual7.
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