What is a scaphoid waist fracture?

Scaphoid fractures are a type of broken wrist. They happen when you break your scaphoid bone — a small bone near the base of your thumb. You might need surgery, but even if you do, you should make a full recovery. People usually need around three months to heal from a scaphoid fracture. Appointments 216.444.2606.

What does scaphoid pain feel like?

Symptoms. 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.

Why does my scaphoid hurt?

A scaphoid (navicular) fracture is a break in one of the small bones of the wrist. This type of fracture occurs most often after a fall onto an outstretched hand. Symptoms of a scaphoid fracture typically include pain and tenderness in the area just below the base of the thumb.

Is 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).

How long does it take to recover from scaphoid surgery?

If successful, a patient can expect to begin to play sports or engage in other physical activities within 10 to 12 weeks of surgery. Healing: A splint should be kept on the injured wrist for approximately 8 to 12 weeks, and there should be clear evidence of union before its removal.

Do all scaphoid fractures need surgery?

Are there non-surgical treatments for scaphoid fracture? Yes. If you receive proper treatment and restrict activity with your hand, a scaphoid fracture may heal without surgery. Your doctor will likely recommend casting if it appears that the bones may heal on their own.

What happens if a scaphoid fracture is left untreated?

If a Scaphoid fracture does not heal, it is called a Scaphoid Fracture Non-union. If left untreated, the part of the Scaphoid that interacts with the Radius may die, which can lead to painful arthritis in the wrist, developing months to years after the initial injury.

What is the fastest way to heal a broken scaphoid?

The Road to Recovery

1. Immobilizing the area until your physician says it is okay to reintroduce movements and strengthening exercises.
2. Using a cast or brace to help reinforce your efforts at immobilizing the scaphoid bone.
3. Quitting smoking as this habit can delay any kind of healing by the body.

What is the fastest way to heal a scaphoid fracture?

Casting. A nondisplaced fracture in the waist or distal pole of your scaphoid that’s treated soon after injury can be treated by immobilizing your wrist with a cast for six to 12 weeks. Once an X-ray shows the fracture is healed, the cast can be removed.

How long does a scaphoid fracture take to heal?

The peculiarity of its blood supply is the primary reason for this prolonged healing period. Whereas other fractures in the upper extremity require an average of six weeks, a scaphoid fracture requires an average of 12 weeks if treated immediately, and as long as six months if the diagnosis is delayed.

What happens if you don’t fix a scaphoid fracture?

Can a scaphoid fracture heal without surgery?

Yes. If you receive proper treatment and restrict activity with your hand, a scaphoid fracture may heal without surgery. Your doctor will likely recommend casting if it appears that the bones may heal on their own. The cast immobilizes your wrist, so the pieces of bone to fuse back together.

Do scaphoid fractures need surgery?

Is the scaphoid easy to break?

It is the most common carpal bone to break (fracture). A scaphoid fracture is usually caused by a fall on to an outstretched hand. Symptoms can include pain and swelling around the wrist. Diagnosis of a scaphoid fracture can sometimes be difficult, as not all show up on X-rays.

How long will a scaphoid fracture take to heal?

What is the scaphoid bone in the wrist?

The wrist consists of two rows of carpal bones, one row on top of the other. The scaphoid bone is one of the eight small wrist bones. Because of its location and size, the scaphoid bone is the most common wrist bone to fracture.

What does the scaphoid bone look like?

The scaphoid bone resembles a boat with its relatively long, curved shape. The scaphoid bone can most easily be identified when your thumb is held in a “hitch-hiking” position. It is located at the base of the hollow made by the thumb tendons.

What are the bones of the wrist called?

Your wrist is made up of eight small bones called the carpal bones, or the carpus. These join your hand to the two long bones in your forearm — the radius and ulna. The carpal bones are small square, oval, and triangular bones. The cluster of carpal bones in the wrist make it both strong and flexible.

Should I wear a splint for scaphoid bone pain?

If you are tender directly over the scaphoid bone (which is located in the hollow at the thumb side of the wrist as shown in Figure 2), your healthcare provider might recommend wearing a splint to be safe. If pain persists, a follow-up exam and x-ray in a week or two can be used to diagnose.