Early mobilization vs delayed mobilisation following the use of a volar locking plate with non-vascularised bone graft in scaphoid non-union. A multicentred randomised controlled-trial.

INTERVENTION: All patients will undergo an open reduction internal fixation using an anatomically contoured scaphoid specific locking plate with non‐vascularised bone graft. The surgery will take approximately 1 hr. The intervention group will be able to mobilise post‐operatively. A bulky dressing will be applied (velband and crepe). This will be removed at the 2 week wound review. CONDITION: Scaphoid non‐union PRIMARY OUTCOME: Scaphoid union. Assessed using CT imaging. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Review of contributing factors to non‐union. Assessed by performing a logistical regression on co‐morbidities and their impact on development of non‐union. ; ; Co‐morbidities of interest will be recorded on the patients data sheet at time of enrolment in the trial. These will include diabetes, smoking and obesity. INCLUSION CRITERIA: All adult patients (age >18yrs) with established non‐union scaphoid fractures will be considered for inclusion. Non‐union will be defined as a persistence of radiological evidence of non‐union 3 months from injury date on either x‐ray or CT imaging.