Ankle sprains are a common injury, but a scaphoid fracture can be a more complex and serious issue if not treated properly. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, with convenient locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, our team of experienced hand and wrist specialists is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for patients with scaphoid fractures. We understand that a wrist injury can significantly impact your daily life, and we are here to help you get back to the activities you love, pain-free.
Overview
A scaphoid fracture is a break in the scaphoid bone, one of the eight small carpal bones in the wrist. The scaphoid bone is located on the thumb side of the wrist, in the area where the wrist bends. It is the most commonly fractured carpal bone, and because of its unique shape and blood supply, it is also one of the most difficult to heal.
The scaphoid bone is shaped like a twisted peanut, and it has a tenuous blood supply, meaning that the blood vessels that feed the bone are very small and can be easily disrupted by a fracture. This can lead to a condition called avascular necrosis, where the bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood flow. Avascular necrosis can cause the bone to collapse, leading to arthritis and chronic pain.
Because of the risk of complications, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you think you may have a scaphoid fracture. A hand and wrist specialist at California Pacific Orthopaedics can properly diagnose your injury and recommend the best course of treatment.
Common Symptoms and Causes
The most common cause of a scaphoid fracture is a fall onto an outstretched hand (a “FOOSH” injury). When you fall, you instinctively put your hands out to break your fall, and the force of the impact can be transmitted up your arm to your wrist. This can cause the scaphoid bone to break.
Scaphoid fractures can also be caused by other types of trauma, such as a direct blow to the wrist or a sports-related injury. They are common in athletes who play sports that involve a lot of falling, such as skateboarding, snowboarding, and football.
The most common symptoms of a scaphoid fracture include:
- Pain and tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist
- Swelling in the wrist
- Bruising in the wrist
- Difficulty moving the wrist or thumb
- A grinding or catching sensation when you move your wrist
It is important to note that not all scaphoid fractures cause severe pain. In some cases, the pain may be mild and may be mistaken for a sprain. This is why it is so important to see a doctor if you have any pain or swelling in your wrist after a fall or other injury.
Common Risk Factors
While anyone can sustain a scaphoid fracture, there are some factors that can increase your risk, including:
- Age: Scaphoid fractures are most common in young men between the ages of 15 and 30.
- Participation in certain sports: As mentioned above, athletes who play sports that involve a lot of falling are at an increased risk of scaphoid fractures.
- Osteoporosis: This condition causes the bones to become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures.
- Smoking: Smoking can impair the body’s ability to heal, which can increase the risk of complications from a scaphoid fracture.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a scaphoid fracture, it is important to see a hand and wrist specialist at California Pacific Orthopaedics as soon as possible. Our specialists will perform a physical examination of your wrist and may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan, to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for a scaphoid fracture will depend on the severity of the fracture and whether or not the bone is displaced (out of place).
- Nonsurgical treatment: If the fracture is not displaced, it may be treated with a cast or splint to immobilize the wrist and allow the bone to heal. The cast or splint will typically be worn for 6 to 12 weeks.
- Surgical treatment: If the fracture is displaced, or if it is not healing properly with nonsurgical treatment, surgery may be necessary. The goal of surgery is to realign the bone and hold it in place with a screw or pins so that it can heal.
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we offer the latest and most advanced treatment options for scaphoid fractures, including minimally invasive surgery techniques that can help to reduce pain and scarring and promote a faster recovery.
What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure
If you are scheduled for surgery for a scaphoid fracture, our team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. You will be asked to stop eating and drinking at a certain time before the surgery, and you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
The surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, which means that you will be able to go home the same day. The procedure itself usually takes about an hour, and you will be given anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
After the surgery, your wrist will be placed in a cast or splint to protect the bone while it heals. You will need to keep the cast or splint clean and dry, and you will be given instructions on how to care for your incision.
You will also be given pain medication to help you manage any discomfort. You will need to follow up with your doctor for regular check-ups to make sure that the bone is healing properly.
Why Choose California Pacific Orthopaedics?
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care in a compassionate and supportive environment. Our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained hand and wrist specialists has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating scaphoid fractures. We offer a full range of treatment options, from nonsurgical care to the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques.
If you are suffering from a scaphoid fracture, or if you have any other hand or wrist problem, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. We have convenient locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, and we are here to help you get back to living a pain-free life.
