A scaphoid fracture most commonly results from a fall on an outstretched hand. The scaphoid is a small bone located on the thumb side of your wrist. It is the most commonly broken bone in the wrist. Because symptoms can be minimal, scaphoid fractures are frequently mistaken as sprained wrists. Scaphoid fractures require casting or surgery.
The scaphoid is a small bone located on the thumb side of your wrist. The scaphoid is unique in that it spans the two rows of bones that make up your wrist. Because of its position, it is the most commonly broken bone in the wrist.
A scaphoid fracture most frequently results from a fall on an outstretched hand. Motor vehicle crashes and sports injuries can also cause scaphoid fractures. The outcome of scaphoid fractures is largely dependent on the location of the break in the bone and the amount the bone fragments have displaced or shifted. Fractures near the end of the bone toward the hand have the greatest blood supply and heal the best. Fractures located in the middle of the scaphoid (the waist) or closer to the forearm (the proximal pole) sometimes have trouble healing because the blood supply to these areas is poor.
Your doctor can diagnose a scaphoid fracture by examining your wrist and taking X-rays. Sometimes scaphoid fractures do not show up on initial X-rays. The X-rays may be repeated later, or computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be used because they show more detail. CT scans are frequently performed, as the degree of fracture displacement is often difficult to determine from plain X-rays.
Scaphoid Fracture Treatment depends on the location, fracture type, and fracture location in the bone. Fractures located near the thumb (distal pole) heal well with casting. Fractures in areas with a poor blood supply and displaced fractures generally require surgery.
Scaphoid Fracture Treatment beings with the prevention of scaphoid fractures with fall prevention techniques. If you participate in sports, you should wear protective equipment such as wrist guards made for skateboarding, inline skating, and snow boarding.
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