The scaphoid bone is a unique boat-shaped carpal bone, also synonymous with carpal navicular bone. The scaphoid fracture is the most common type of carpal bone fracture. Various factors affect the rate and possibility of bone healing, including the vascularity of the fracture fragments, site of fracture, patient age, smoking and previous surgery.
Patients usually present with pain over the anatomical snuffbox or base of thumb. Sometimes, due to the location of the fracture, the pain may be in the distal or dorsal wrist as well.
The scaphoid fracture may not be very clearly seen on routine wrist X-rays. Special views such as the semi-pronated or ulnar deviation views are usually performed to better delineate the fracture. Figure A: A CT scan or MRI may sometimes be required to evaluate the scaphoid to greater resolution.
Conservative treatment of scaphoid fractures with plaster cast, incorporating the base of the thumb, is appropriate for incomplete or undisplaced fractures and selected complete fracture cases.
In cases not suitable for conservative management, surgical fixation is required. Various techniques, such as percutaneous fixation, arthroscopic guided fixation or open fixation techniques, with or without bone graft may be preferred. This should be further discussed with your specialist hand surgeon after studying the imaging studies.
Avascular necrosis is a common complication of a scaphoid fracture. This is dependent on the location of the fracture. Fractures in the proximal pole being at the highest risk, followed by fractures in the waist.
Discuss the different options with the hand specialist looking after you, so that the most appropriate modality is chosen.
Not sure if the pain you’re experiencing in the base of thumb is related to a scaphoid fracture? Speak to our hand care team for a diagnosis at +65 6733 9093. Or book an appointment with our hand specialist for an examination and treatment options.
