Scaphoid fractures usually cause pain and swelling in the anatomic snuffbox and on the thumb side of the wrist . The pain may be severe when you move your thumb or wrist, or when you try to pinch or grasp something. Unless your wrist is deformed, it might not be obvious that your scaphoid bone is broken.
What does a fractured scaphoid feel like?
A scaphoid fracture causes tenderness directly over the bone and the pain may increase when you move your thumb or grip things. Your initial pain may decrease over days or weeks and because there is no significant bruising or swelling they are often mistaken for a sprained wrist.
How do you check for scaphoid fracture?
There are various imaging options for assessing a patient with a suspected scaphoid injury. They include plain radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, and bone scintigraphy .
How long does a fractured scaphoid hurt?
Your wrist will probably feel stiff for about a month or two after the cast is off. You might continue to have a dull ache or stiffness for about two years. Some people develop carpal tunnel syndrome after having a Colles’ wrist fracture.
How do you relieve the scaphoid fracture pain?
- A splint or cast may be put on your wrist and hand to decrease movement. ...
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. ...
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. ...
- Surgery may be needed if the broken bone is out of place, or if it does not heal properly.
Do you need a cast for a scaphoid fracture?
Whether your treatment is surgical or nonsurgical, you may be required to wear a cast or splint for up to 6 months or until your fracture has healed . Unlike most other fractures, scaphoid fractures tend to heal slowly.
Can you drive with a broken scaphoid?
When can I return to work and driving after plaster treatment? Return to an office job is possible within the confines of the plaster, however most insurance companies will not let you drive . Manual work will be impossible until after the cast is off and the scaphoid has healed.
Can you still move your thumb with a scaphoid fracture?
Most people with a scaphoid fracture (which is the same as a broken wrist) will have pain and/or swelling along the thumb side of the wrist within days following a fall. Because there is no visible deformity and no difficulty with motion , many people with this injury assume that it is a wrist sprain.
Is a scaphoid fracture serious?
A scaphoid fracture can lead to wrist osteoarthritis , especially if the fracture is untreated and does not heal correctly. This is called “nonunion.” Severe cases of this kind of osteoarthritis can lead to an incorrect alignment of wrist bones in what is called scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC).
What percent of scaphoid fractures heal?
Scaphoid fractures treated non-operatively typically require 9 to 12 weeks of immobilization, although the fracture may take up to 6 months to unite [20]. Scaphoid fractures treated with cast immobilization alone unite in 88 to 95% of cases [21–23].
Why are scaphoid fractures hard to heal?
The reason scaphoid fractures have a hard time healing is due to the anatomy of the blood supply to the bone . The blood supply is what keeps the bone alive and allows it to heal. Most of the bone is covered with cartilage, the smooth shiny material that forms the joints and allows the bones to move.
What is the fastest way to heal a broken scaphoid?
- Advance therapy with gentle AROM of the wrist and gentle opposition and flexion/extension exercises to the thumb.
- Continue elbow and shoulder exercises.
- Remove the short-arm cast at 6 weeks if the fracture appears to be radiographically healed.
- Use a wrist splint for protection.
Will my scaphoid ever heal?
Conclusion Subacute scaphoid fractures (presenting within 6 months from injury) can be expected to successfully heal with casting alone , even if the initial diagnosis is delayed.
How long does scaphoid bone take to heal?
Healing: Average time to union of the scaphoid is twelve weeks . Depending on the rigidity of the bone fixation and need for bone graft, the wrist may be casted for four, six, eight or 12 weeks.
What is a splint for scaphoid fracture?
The 3pp Ez FIT ThumSpica Splint is ideal for protection of the wrist and thumb following a scaphoid fracture. A well-directed program of wrist and thumb range of motion can commence.
What is the best view to witness a scaphoid fracture?
Standard views vary among institutions, but most use a minimum of 3 views: PA, true lateral, and semipronated oblique with , in many instances, ulnar deviation. The patient with a scaphoid fracture often holds the wrist in radial deviation, thereby shortening the scaphoid and limiting its evaluation.
