Scaphoid fracture is a common injury encountered in family medicine. A Scaphoid fracture (a fracture of the scaphoid bone) is the most common type of wrist fracture. Scaphoid fractures usually cause pain at the base of the thumb accompanied by swelling in the same area. The scaphoid is the most frequently fractured carpal bone, accounting for 71% of all carpal bone fractures. Scaphoid fractures often occur in young and middle-aged adults, typically those aged 15-60 years. About 5-12% of scaphoid fractures are associated with other fractures, and approximately 1% of scaphoid fractures are bilateral. Scaphoid fractures usually cause pain in the base of the thumb, with swelling in the same area. The pain may be severe when the thumb or wrist is moved or the hand grips anything.



In some cases, the pain is not severe, and may be mistaken for a sprain. A scaphoid fracture is almost always caused by a fall on the outstretched hand. Landing on an outstretched hand makes hand and wrist injuries, including a fracture of the scaphoid bone, fairly common. The scaphoid bone is at risk for avascular necrosis. Only one small artery enters the bone, at the end that is closest to the thumb. Scaphoid fractures often happen while a person is playing sports such as football, soccer, or basketball or during activities such as Rollerblading, skateboarding, or bike riding. They can also occur as a result of a car accident or a punching incident.

Treatment of scaphoid fractures depends on the location of the break in the bone. When the scaphoid is broken at the waist, surgery may be recommended.

A screw or wire may be used to stabilize the scaphoid while the bone heals. Rehabilitation is an important part of healing due to the long immobilization time needed to treat most scaphoid fractures. Range-of-motion exercises for the wrist can be started after immobilization, followed by strengthening exercises for the wrist flexors and extensors. Other treatment and prevention is avoid heavy lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or throwing with the injured arm. Do not climb ladders or trees

Avoid activities with a risk of falling onto hand (for example, inline skating, jumping on a trampoline). Pain medicine such as acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol) or ibuprofen (for example, Advil or Motrin) also helpful against scaphoid fractures. If you have surgery, you will need to wear a splint or cast afterward.

Scaphoid Fractures Treatment and pevention Tips

1. Do not participate in contact sports.

2. Do not climb ladders or trees.

3. Avoid heavy lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or throwing with the injured arm.

4. Avoid activities with a risk of falling onto hand (for example, inline skating, jumping on a trampoline).

5. Hand therapy may be recommended to help regain the motion and strength in the wrist.