Comparing two methods for treating scaphoid bone healing issues

Arthroscopic Versus Open Cancellous Bone Grafting for Scaphoid Delayed/Non-union in Adults: Study Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial

NA · Herlev and Gentofte Hospital · NCT05574582

This study is testing two different surgical methods to see which one helps people with delayed or non-healing scaphoid fractures recover better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment88 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 68 Years
SexAll
SponsorHerlev and Gentofte Hospital (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Hellerup)
Trial IDNCT05574582 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of two surgical techniques for treating scaphoid delayed and non-union fractures. Eighty-eight patients aged 18-68 will be randomly assigned to receive either an open iliac crest cancellous graft or an arthroscopic-assisted distal radius cancellous chip graft. The primary outcome measured will be the time to union, assessed through repeated CT scans over a 10-week period. The study aims to provide insights into which method may lead to better healing outcomes for patients with these specific fractures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Danish citizens aged 18-68 with scaphoid delayed or non-union fractures.

Not a fit: Patients with open fractures, previous failed surgeries for scaphoid issues, or significant deformities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved healing rates and recovery times for patients with scaphoid fractures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with different grafting techniques for scaphoid fractures, but this specific comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients aged 18-68 years.
2. A scaphoid fracture without healing 2-6 months since fracture (delayed union) for cases with either displacement \>1mm or comminution and failed non-operative treatment.
3. Scaphoid fracture without healing \>6 months since fracture (non-union) regardless of displacement, comminution and if previous non-operative treatment has been tried.
4. ASA 1-3.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Open fractures
2. Associated trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation.
3. Associated fracture in the hand/upper extremity.
4. Previous failed surgical treatment for scaphoid delayed/non-union.
5. Stage 2 SNAC or above.
6. Avascular necrosis of the proximal pole as evaluated with MRI and absence of punctate bleeding intraoperatively.
7. Patients with gross humpback deformity of HLR \>0.75 and/or DCA \<70⁰.
8. Patients unable to understand instructions in Danish, complete the rehabilitation protocol, or answering the questionnaires because of physical or cognitive impairment, as evaluated by the surgeon at the first visit.

Where this trial is running

Hellerup

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Scaphoid Fracture, Scaphoid Nonunion, Scaphoid, Scaphoid nonunion, Cancellous, Graft, Arthroscopic, Timo to union

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.