A scaphoid fracture is an injury affecting one of the small bones in the wrist, located on the thumb side.
This boat-shaped bone (hence the name "scaphoid") plays a crucial role in wrist stability and movement.
Scaphoid fractures are common among athletes and active individuals but can also occur due to falls or direct trauma.
These fractures can be challenging to diagnose and treat due to the bone’s limited blood supply, which complicates the healing process.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of a scaphoid fracture include pain and swelling at the base of the thumb, especially when moving the wrist or trying to grip objects.
Pain may be mild immediately after the injury and increase gradually.
A typical sign is tenderness in the "anatomical snuffbox," a small triangular area on the back of the hand near the thumb.
In some cases, wrist movement is limited and painful.
Causes:
Scaphoid fractures are most often caused by falls onto an outstretched hand, which transfers impact force directly to the scaphoid bone.
This type of trauma is common in contact sports, bicycle or motorcycle falls, and car accidents.
Due to the scaphoid’s poor blood supply, healing may be slow and complicated.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosing a scaphoid fracture can be difficult, as early symptoms may be subtle, and the fracture may not be visible on X-rays right after the injury.
To confirm the diagnosis, additional imaging such as a CT scan or MRI may be used, providing more detailed views of the bone and possible fractures.
Treatments:
Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture.
For non-displaced fractures, where the bone fragments remain aligned, immobilization with a cast or brace may be sufficient.
This treatment typically lasts 6 to 12 weeks, with regular X-ray checkups to monitor healing.
For displaced fractures or those that do not heal with conservative treatment, surgery may be required.
Surgical options include internal fixation with screws or plates to stabilize the bone.
In some cases, a bone graft may be necessary to encourage proper healing.
At Handclinic, under the care of Dr. Marco Guidi, we use advanced technology and a personalized approach to treat scaphoid fractures.
Our team of specialists is dedicated to providing the best possible care, ensuring optimal healing and restoration of wrist function.
With precise diagnosis and targeted treatment, we help patients return to their daily activities pain-free and with full mobility.
Have you suffered a scaphoid fracture? Consult our specialists for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment to restore your wrist function.
