Scaphoid Fractures
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Overview
Fractures of the scaphoid are very common. The scaphoid is one of the smaller bones in the wrist. Fractures that have not moved too far from a normal position can be managed in a cast. Fractures that have moved normally require surgery.
Assessment
Trauma surgeons at Victorian Bone and Joint Specialists will assess your injury and organise x-rays and scans if required. If surgery is needed, our specialists will help guide you through the process as a successful outcome will require recovery and rehabilitation often with physiotherapists or a hand therapist. Some fractures will still need a cast after surgery and other types of fractures can be managed in a brace.
Treatment
Non-operative management
A simple crack in the scaphoid bone, while painful, will normally heal well. Surgeons at Victorian Bone and Joint Specialists will immobilise the wrist and often advise treatment with a specialist wrist brace or cast. Follow up x-rays will be required.
Surgical management
If the broken bone has moved too much or if there is instability of the wrist and hand surgery to lock the bone back in place maybe the best option. Sometimes bone graft is also required. Your surgeon at Bone and Joint will discuss this with you. Specialist hand surgeons may be required. A wrist splint maybe exchanged for the cast with both operative and non-operative treatment,
When to contact us
If you have a scaphoid fracture and would like an opinion, please call our rooms on 03 5752 5020
