Approximately 80% of scaphoid fractures occur in males, with the highest incidence occurring between the ages of 20 and 30 years.
How does scaphoid fracture occur?
Patients falling onto an outstretched wrist can apply direct trauma to the wrist. If this trauma is of such a force it can fracture many of the bones in the wrist, and in particular the scaphoid.
What are the symptoms scaphoid fractures ?
Patients present with well localised pain in the wrist joint, more towards the thumb side of the wrist. In addition to this, patients may have a decreased range of movement.
What are the features of scaphoid fractures ?
The scaphoid is a boat-shaped bone. Fractures can occur anywhere along its length, but the vast majority (over three-quarters) occur through the centre of the scaphoid (waist). The site of the scaphoid fracture has significant impact on the healing potential. Fractures through the waist of the scaphoid have got a good chance of healing with appropriate treatment (approximately 85%). However, fractures towards the wrist joint (proximal pole fractures) have an increased risk of the fracture not uniting. This is on account of poorer blood supply to this area of bone. Other risk factors for developing a non-union (i.e. the fracture not healing) are: delay in presentation, significant separation of the fracture fragments, smoking and delay in presentation to a doctor.
What are the investigations done prior to scaphoid fractures ?
Plain x-rays are the most common way to diagnose a scaphoid fracture. It can be seen as a line across the scaphoid bone. However, scaphoid fractures occasionally do not show up on the initial x-ray, and in this case if your doctor strongly suspects you have fractured your scaphoid you may be treated in a plaster of Paris, and a repeat x-ray performed in one week. Alternatively, further imaging, such as an MRI scan or a CT scan may be performed.
What is the non-surgeocal treatment for scaphoid fractures ?
Some fractures of the scaphoid can be treated in a plaster cast. These are usually the fractures through the waist, which are undisplaced. However, scaphoid fractures that are displaced (i.e. the fracture fragments have moved apart) or fractures in the so-called proximal pole have a higher risk of not uniting, and are often treated operatively. Scaphoid fractures that are treated non-operatively usually involve a plaster of Paris immobilisation for a period of six to twelve weeks. Careful x-ray, follow up and CT scanning may be required to ensure the fracture has united.
How is the surgery to treat scaphoid fractures performed ?
Scaphoid fractures that occur in the proximal pole or scaphoid fractures that are displaced often require operative treatment. Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic or regional anaesthesia (only the arm is made numb). The surgery takes between thirty and forty minutes. A tourniquet is used, which is like a blood pressure cuff around the upper arm, which prevents blood from obscuring the surgeon’s view. There are two main types of scaphoid surgery for fractures.
The first is the traditional ‘open’ surgery. This usually involves a three to four centimetre incision either on the front or the back of the wrist, depending on the site of the fracture. The surgeon identifies the fracture under direct vision and places a bone screw, under x-ray control, into the scaphoid. The screw is buried deep inside the bone and is a permanent implant. After this type of surgery the patient is usually mobilised quickly, and plain radiographs or CT scans are performed to ensure the bone has united.
The second type of surgery is a less invasive technique, which involves small (two or three millimetre incisions). This has the added advantage of less surgical dissection and, hopefully, less trauma to the surrounding structures. However, the overall healing rate between the percutaneous and open techniques is similar. Post-operatively the rehabilitation is often quicker with the percutaneous technique due to less soft tissue trauma.
What is the post-operative rehabilitation for scaphoid fractures ?
The patients are usually mobilised within the first ten to fourteen days’ time. Range of movement rapidly returns, before strengthening procedures occur. Sutures are often buried under the skin, and the ends of the suture need to be snipped, usually at ten days. Scaphoid fractures usually require six to eight weeks to heal, and this is confirmed with x-ray or CT scans.
Patients who are treated operatively, particularly with the percutaneous techniques, can return to driving and many activities of daily living within the first few days. Patients who are treated with more conventional, open four centimetre incisions usually return to driving within two to three weeks. Patients who are treated non-operatively, in a plaster of Paris, often find it difficult to drive whilst the cast is on. Indeed, many insurance companies prevent patients from driving in a cast.
What are the complications of scaphoid fractures ?
Non-union is the major complication of scaphoid fractures. This is an inability for the fracture to heal. It is more common in the proximal pole fractures and those fractures that have significantly displaced. Overall, the non-union rate for scaphoid fractures is about 15%. An untreated scaphoid non-union is thought to go on to develop osteoarthritis over a ten to fifteen year period.
Treatment in plaster of Paris has very few complications, apart from non-union. Occasionally stiffness can occur in the digits if the fingers are not moved early.
How to find orthopedic surgeons for the treatment of scaphoid fractures ?
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Find and choose a orthopedic surgeon for the treatment of scaphoid fractures on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
