SCAPHOID FRACTURES

The Scaphoid is one of eight small bones that make up a section of your hand called the Carpal bones and is located between your thumb joint and your wrist. The most common cause of hand fractures in this area incidents of falling or overstretching of the area. This type of injury does not always cause swelling but is often a very painful fracture of this small but crucial bone.

I think I have a scaphoid fracture. What should I do?

The first step is a careful assessment and examination followed by an x-ray in our orthopedic clinic in London to identify whether or not the bone is actually broken and if so, to what degree.

Scaphoid fractures can be difficult to diagnose with x-rays so sometimes an MRI scan is needed to confirm the diagnosis. If this is the case our orthopaedic clinic in London is fully equipped to quickly identify the cause of the problem and take the appropriate action, whilst explaining the process in full every step of the way.

If I do have a scaphoid fracture, what happens next?

The majority of scaphoid fractures can be treated without surgery in a plaster or some kind of splint. If the fragments have moved into a poor position, surgery might be needed to improve the chances of healing.

If I do need surgery, does it have to be done immediately?

No, most surgery can be safely done any time in the first 2 weeks following the fracture while still achieving an excellent result.