Scaphoid fractures are the most common carpal (wrist) bone fracture to occur. It is also the most important as it connects the two rows. Fractures occur when patients fall on an outstretched wrist. Patients present with pain located on the base of their thumb . Most people think that they just had a wrist sprain but scaphoid fractures do not typically get better without treatment. This leads to delay in diagnosis and delay in healing. In general scaphoid fractures are difficult to heal because of its limited blood supply. Therefore fractures take a longer time to heal (often months). The location of the fracture is important when considering treatment as well.
Diagnosis is usually made with xray but sometimes patients require a CT or MRI to further evaluate the fracture as fractures aren’t always seen on xrays.
Treatment for Scaphoid Fractures
Fractures that are non-displaced and toward the end of the scaphoid can be treated with a cast. Typically it takes around two months for this type of fracture to heal. Fractures located on the proximal part of scaphoid or displaced require surgery. This is accomplished using either screws or k pins. Healing takes longer and often 3 months. Often CT scans are preformed to determine healing.
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