Scaphoid Fracture Fixation

If you need a scaphoid fracture fixation, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is Scaphoid Fracture Fixation?

A scaphoid fracture is a common wrist injury, often caused by trauma like a fall onto an outstretched hand or direct wrist impact. The scaphoid, one of the eight wrist bones, plays a vital role in wrist stability and mobility. A scaphoid fracture leads to pain, swelling, and loss of function. Surgical stabilization, or fixation, often helps ensure proper healing and prevents long-term complications.

Causes of Scaphoid Fractures

Scaphoid fractures usually happen when a person falls onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH injury). The force applied to the wrist fractures the scaphoid, usually in the middle of the bone. These fractures are more common in young adults, particularly athletes in sports like football, basketball, and skateboarding.

The risk of nonunion (failure to heal) is higher with scaphoid fractures because of the limited blood supply, especially in the bone’s proximal portion. If untreated, scaphoid fractures can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis

A doctor diagnoses a scaphoid fracture with a physical exam and imaging. Symptoms include wrist pain, swelling, and tenderness, particularly in the anatomical snuffbox (a depression on the thumb side). X-rays are typically the first imaging test, but CT scans or MRIs may be required if the fracture is not visible on X-rays.

Treatment and Fixation Options

Treatment for a scaphoid fracture depends on the fracture’s location, severity, and type. Displaced fractures or non-unions often require surgical fixation to realign the bone and prevent complications.

Non-Surgical Treatment:

• Casting: In nondisplaced fractures, a cast immobilizes the wrist to allow healing. The patient wears the cast for 6-12 weeks, followed by follow-up X-rays.

Surgical Fixation:

• Internal Fixation with Screws: For displaced fractures or multiple bone fragments, surgeons insert a small screw or pin to stabilize the bone. Surgeons typically insert the screw percutaneously (through small incisions), promoting faster recovery with minimal scarring.

• Bone Grafting: If the fracture causes bone loss or delayed healing, surgeons use a bone graft to promote recovery. This may involve using bone from another area or synthetic material.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

After fixation, the wrist remains immobilized to promote healing. The patient may wear a cast or splint for several weeks, depending on the fracture and surgery. During this time, doctors recommend avoiding weight-bearing on the wrist.

Once healing progresses, physical therapy becomes crucial for restoring wrist function, strength, and mobility. The rehabilitation process includes range-of-motion exercises followed by strengthening exercises to help the wrist regain full functionality.

The success of scaphoid fracture fixation depends on the fracture’s location, the fixation’s success, and the patient’s commitment to rehabilitation. With proper treatment, most people can expect a full recovery and return to normal activities. However, untreated or poorly managed fractures can lead to complications like arthritis, chronic pain, and limited wrist motion.

Scaphoid fractures require proper diagnosis and treatment for full recovery and to avoid complications. Whether treated with casting or surgical fixation, orthopedic specialists provide care to stabilize the fracture and guide rehabilitation.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.