Scaphoid Fracture – Injury to One of The Small bones of the Wrist
A human wrist comprises 8 small bones known as carpal bones. These bones are known to help in delicate and complex movements of the hand and the wrist. The carpal bones are located between the bones of the forearm and hand. Now, if we talk about scaphoid, then this kidney bean-shaped bone is present below the thumb. A scaphoid fracture can occur with an injury to the wrist.
When it comes to the fractures of carpal bones, the scaphoid fracture is said to be the most common one. This fracture could be displaced or non-displaced, but when it comes to displaced scaphoid fracture, surgery using Scrucan cannulated screws (also known as Herbert Screws), and other orthopedic devices may be done.
What are the Causes of Scaphoid Fracture?
Falling onto an outstretched hand is one of the most common causes of the scaphoid fracture. When someone is about to fall, he/she tries to break that fall by stretching his/her hand and pointing the wrist outside. This helps prevent injury to the head, face, and back, but the bodyweight forced on the wrist results in a fracture. This may cause injury to the scaphoid bone.
A scaphoid fracture can also occur in sportsperson especially those who play contact sports.
What are the Symptoms of Scaphoid Fracture?
Some of the most common symptoms of scaphoid fracture include:
- Pain in the wrist (on the thumb’s side)
- Swelling and bruising
- Inability to properly grip objects
Diagnosis of Scaphoid Fracture
Scaphoid fractures are known to be hard to diagnose, especially when the fractured bone is in its place. In such cases, X-ray examination might not show any abnormalities. In most cases, immobilization of the wrist is done for 1 to 2 weeks and an X-ray examination is again performed to check whether the fracture is there. This is because, in the case of a non-displaced scaphoid fracture, the abnormality may be seen on an X-ray after the bone has started to heal.
In certain cases, an MRI examination may be done to diagnose scaphoid fractures. This fracture could be painful if delayed healing occurs or the fracture does not heal at all (nonunion).
Treatment of Scaphoid Fracture
As we’ve discussed above, a scaphoid fracture can either be non-displaced or displaced. Based on the type of fracture that occurred, the doctor will decide the treatment procedure. The treatment of Scaphoid fracture can be done surgically and non-surgically.
Non-surgical treatment
This treatment method is most commonly used for non-displaced fractures where the broken scaphoid bone has not left its place.
Application of a cast is commonly done during non-surgical treatment for the immobilization of the wrist to allow the bone to heal properly. Casting is generally done for around 6 to 12 weeks and it is removed when the X-ray examination shows that the fracture is healed.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is the best option when the fracture is displaced and has occurred in the proximal pole of the scaphoid bone. To fix the fracture by surgery, an orthopedic implant such as orthopedic Bone Screw is used. This will ensure the correct alignment of the fractured bone until it heals properly.
Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd. is one of the best manufacturers of orthopedic implants and instruments in India. The company offers a huge range of trauma implants including Scrucan Cannulated Compression System, Scrucan Cannulated Screws (also known as Herbert Screws), and other orthopedic devices.
In case of the development of a nonunion, surgery with bone grafting is indicated.