The clinical results of the application of pedicled vascularized bone graft (VBG) from Lister's tubercle vs. traditional bone graft (TBG) were evaluated and compared. Thirteen cases of symptomatic scaphoid nonunion were treated between January 2011 and December 2012, including 7 cases subject to VBG and the rest 6 cases to TBG, respectively. Outcomes were assessed by modified Mayo wrist score system. All cases were followed up for an average period of 3.5 months after operation. The results showed that total scores in VBG group were 86.4 +/- 9.4 after operation with excellent result in 4 cases, good in 2 and acceptable in one, and those in TBG group were 71.7 +/- 9.3 after operation with good result in 2 cases, acceptable in 3 and disappointing in one. Total score of wrist function was significantly improved in VBG group as compared with TBG group (P < 0.05). Our study suggests that VBG method is more effective for treating scaphoid nonunion than TBG method.