Scaphoid Fracture

Also known as: scaphoid fracture of the wrist, navicular fracture, wrist fracture.

What is scaphoid fracture?

The scaphoid bone is the most commonly fractured bone in the wrist. It is positioned on the proximal and radial side of the wrist, just proximal to the base of the thumb.

What causes scaphoid fracture?

An injury due to a fall or an accident are typical causes of a scaphoid fracture. The most common history is a fall onto an outstretched hand.
 

What are the symptoms of scaphoid fracture?

Pain, limited mobility, swelling, bruising and tenderness are all possible symptoms of scaphoid fracture.
 

What are scaphoid fracture care options?

Treatment of scaphoid fractures depends on the appearance of a wrist X-ray.  Oftentimes, the scaphoid may have a non-displaced fractured but it does not appearance on X-rays for a few weeks.  Initial treatment includes immobilization of the wrist in a cast. If the fracture is displaced or not healing with conservative measures (cast immobilization), then surgery should be considered

Reviewed by: Aaron J Berger, MD

This page was last updated on: January 12, 2022 04:39 PM