Herbert screws fixation of high-energy navicular body fractures

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of Herbert screw fixation in navicular fractures to restore medial column stability, maintain reduction and determine the impact this approach may have on the development of avascular collapse of the navicular. We hypothesized that Herbert screw fixation of comminuted fractures of the navicular can be safely reduced and maintained to union with a low incidence of avascular collapse. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 7 patients with navicular body fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation with Herbert screw fixation at Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry over a period of 2 years. Results: All fractures united. No patient developed a deep infection. There was no loss of reduction, implant failure with excellent functional and radiological outcome Conclusion: Herbert screw fixation provides excellent functional and radiological outcome for isolated navicular body fracture.