A scaphoid fracture is a break in a small bone in the wrist called the scaphoid bone.
It commonly occurs due to a fall on an outstretched hand.
What Is a Scaphoid Fracture?
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A scaphoid fracture is a break in the scaphoid (navicular) bone.
The scaphoid is one of the eight carpal bones in the wrist.
It is located just below the base of the thumb and is shaped like a kidney bean.
The scaphoid bone is located at the base of the hollow.
You will sometimes hear this part of your hand referred to as the anatomic snuffbox.
For this reason, scaphoid fractures need immediate diagnosis and treatment.
If a break is suspected, they may order an X-ray.
Many patients are diagnosed with awrist sprainwhen they actually have a fracture.
Sometimes, scaphoid fractures are easier to see on an MRI.
Getting an MRI can help ensure you get appropriate treatment for your injury right away.
This will help stabilize the injury until you might have an MRI.
With immobilization and follow-up care, scaphoid fractures often heal without surgery.
Repeat X-rays are taken over several weeks or months so your provider can check that the injury is healing.
If it is not healing correctly, surgery can be considered.
If thescaphoid fractureis displaced, there is a greater risk that it will not heal correctly.
New surgical techniques are being developed for the scaphoid, including arthroscopic surgery.
How long does it take for a scaphoid fracture to heal?
Supination, pronation, and grip exercises should also be added.
Complications
Scaphoid fractures can lead to serious complications, especially when they are not properly treated.
Wrist guards are particularly useful during sports such as rollerblading, snowboarding, and many contact sports.
Scaphoid fractures can be serious and require early treatment for prevent complications.
This throw in of injury often occurs after a fall on an outstretched hand.
Scaphoid fractures can be difficult to diagnose since they don’t always appear on an X-ray.
Treatment for scaphoid fracture involves immobilization with a cast and physical therapy.
In more severe cases or when the injury isn’t healing, surgery may be required.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Scaphoid fracture of the wrist.
2024;48(2):529-536. doi:10.1007/s00264-023-06014-2
