Scaphoid fracture of the wrist
The wrist is a joint composed of the bones of the forearm (radius and ulna) and several carpal bones (bones of the hand). The carpal bones are eight small, interconnected bones that form the proximal part of the hand. The scaphoid is the largest of the carpal bones, and plays a fundamental role in the formation of the wrist joint.
The most common mechanism for scaphoid fractures is a fall onto an outstretched hand. These fractures can occur in all population groups, from children and the elderly to athletes and sedentary individuals. In people suffering from specific conditions that make bones more fragile (e.g. osteoporosis), these injuries can occur as a result of low-energy impacts, whereas in younger populations, high-energy traumatic events are more frequent.
Scaphoid fractures are relatively rare, but they are the most frequent of all carpal bone fractures. Unfortunately, these fractures are often misdiagnosed as wrist sprains, preventing patients from quickly starting a suitable recovery plan. Due to the retrograde nature of this bone's blood circulation (different from that of other structures in our body), a scaphoid fracture can leave part of the bone poorly irrigated and exposed to complications in the healing process.
The management of patients with scaphoid fractures depends on the specifics of the injury, such as the location of the fracture (proximal, midbody, distal), the position of the bone fragments (e.g. displaced, non-displaced, etc.), associated injuries (e.g. musculoskeletal, nervous, vascular, etc.), the time between injury and diagnosis (e.g. early or late diagnosis) and the characteristics of the patients involved (e.g. age).
Some scaphoid fractures (e.g. small, stable fractures in the distal third of the bone) can be managed conservatively, with immobilization/protection (using a cast or thumb splint) and rehabilitation.
If surgical treatment is required, many different procedures are available, always discussed between the patient and the medical-surgical team. After surgery, a period of immobilization/protection with the use of a sling, cast or splint is generally recommended, and rehabilitation should begin as soon as indicated by the medical team.
At Foxphysio, after an in-depth consultation with one of our specialist doctors, you will receive a precise diagnosis, and your recovery process will be structured in different stages. Depending on your rehabilitation needs, your recovery process will be tailored to your specific needs.