What is a scaphoid fracture?
A scaphoid fracture is a break in one of the small bones of the wrist known as the scaphoid.
The scaphoid is one of 8 bones which are called your carpal bones. The carpal bones are located between your forearm bones (radius and ulna) and your metacarpals. Your scaphoid lies at the base of your thumb.
A scaphoid fracture is a common injury which is usually sustained after falling over and landing heavily onto your hand.
When the scaphoid bone breaks, the blood supply can also be disrupted, which leads to not enough nutrients reaching the bone.
Because of this, a fractured scaphoid can take longer to heal (called delayed union) or fail to head (called nonunion).
Symptoms
Patients with this condition typically experience significant wrist pain at the time of injury. Pain is usually felt at the bast of the thumb. Patients with a scaphoid fracture will also experience swelling and reduced grip strength.
Causes
A scaphoid fracture most commonly occurs due to a fall onto an outstretched hand.
Risk Factors
There are no specific risks or diseases that increase the chance of having a scaphoid fracture after a fall.
Diagnosis of a scaphoid fracture
CT scan of a wrist. It shows a fracture of the scaphoid
Investigations such as an
- X-ray
- MRI
- CT scan
- bone scan
These are usually required to confirm the diagnosis.
Complications
- Avascular necrosis: When thescaphoid fractured, the blood supply to scaphoid may be disrupted. This may lead to part of the bone dying, a process called avascular necrosis.
- Non-union: Bone that fails to heal is called a non-union. This is also due to poor blood supply.
- Arthritis: Over time, avascular necrosis and non-union can lead to the development of arthritis of the wrist
Treatment
Scaphoid fractures can often be treated in a plaster cast. However, certain scaphoid fractures may need surgical treatment with either a pin or plate.
Seeking Advice
Your Family Doctor (GP)
Your Family Doctor will be able to diagnose and help treat your problem. He or she will be able to
- tell you about your problem
- advise you of the best treatment methods
- prescribe you medications
- and if necessary, refer you to Specialists (Consultants) for further treatment
Prevention
Use of protective gears or wrist guards during activities such as skating or snowboarding can reduce the chance of a scaphoid fracture following a fall.
F.A.Q. | Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after surgery?
Depending on the type of surgery you have, you may be placed in a splint for up to 8 weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will x-ray the wrist several times after surgery to make sure the bones are healing properly.