Management of Scaphoid Pseudoarthrosis Surgery with Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) Versus Axillary Block Anesthesia: Comparison of Patient Satisfaction

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to compare clinical and functional results of treatment of scaphoid pseudoarthrosis between patients undergoing wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) versus axillary block anesthesia. Methods: The patients diagnosed with scaphoid non-union who underwent pseudoarthoris surgery were divided into WALANT group (n  =  12) and axial block group (n  =  11). Visual analog scores (VAS) were measured by calling the patients via phone on postoperative days 1, 2, 3, and 7. The VASs were also measured on the 14^th day during patient check-ups. At the end of 12 months, Michigan Hand Questionnaire was used to assess clinical recovery. Bone union rate and surgery time were also investigated. Radiological and clinical examinations were compared between the groups. Results: Eleven patients (91.7%) in the WALANT group and 10 patients (90.9%) in the axillary block group achieved bone union (P  =  .94). Although there was no significant difference in preoperative VAS score between the groups, the WALANT group had significantly lower VAS score of the first 3 days postoperatively. However, there was no significant difference in VAS score between the groups on the seventh and 14^th day postoperatively. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding Michigan score, time to surgery, time to union and operation time. Conclusion: The scaphoid pseudoarthrosis surgery can be done safely with WALANT technique which has significant lower VAS score on the first 3 days postoperatively.