What Is Scaphoid Fracture of the Wrist?
A scaphoid fracture is a break in one of the small bones of the wrist. This type of fracture occurs most often after a patient falls on an outstretched hand.
A scaphoid fracture is a break in one of the small bones of the wrist. This type of fracture occurs most often after a patient falls on an outstretched hand.
A scaphoid fracture usually occurs when the outstretched hand takes the full weight of landing on your palm during a fall. The radius, or the end of the larger forearm bone, may break with this type of fall. A scaphoid fracture can also occur during sports activities or vehicle collisions.
Scaphoid fractures usually cause pain and swelling over the “anatomic snuffbox” and on the thumb side of the wrist. The pain may be severe when the patient moves the thumb or wrist or tries to pinch or grasp an object.
Unless the wrist is deformed, it may not be immediately apparent that a scaphoid bone is broken at all. With some scaphoid fractures, the pain is not severe and may be mistaken for a sprain.
Pain in the wrist that does not subside within a day of injury may be a sign of a fracture—so it is important to consult a doctor if pain persists. Prompt treatment of a scaphoid fracture will help to avoid potential complications.
When a scaphoid fracture occurs, the patient may experience pain and swelling in the thumb side of the wrist. The pain may be more severe when the thumb or wrist are moved or when trying to pinch or grasp an object.
Treatment for a Scaphoid Fracture is dependent on several criteria:
Non-Surgical:
Surgical:
If your scaphoid is broken at the waist or proximal pole or if pieces of bone are displaced, the doctor may recommend surgery. The goal of surgery is to realign and stabilize the fracture, offering a better chance to heal.
Procedures for this condition include:
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