Scaphoid Fracture: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

What Is a Scaphoid Fracture?

A scaphoid fracture is a break in the scaphoid bone, which sits near the base of your thumb in the wrist. This injury often happens after a fall onto an outstretched hand. Because the scaphoid bone is small and hard to see on X-rays, these fractures can be tricky to spot. If you have wrist pain after a fall, you might have a scaphoid bone injury. Early diagnosis is important for proper healing and to avoid long-term problems.

Common Symptoms and Warning Signs

Scaphoid fractures can be hard to notice at first. However, some signs can help you know when to seek help. Watch for these symptoms:

Pain or tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist

Swelling around the wrist or base of the thumb

Difficulty moving the thumb or wrist

Pain that gets worse when gripping or lifting objects

Bruising is rare but can occur

Sometimes, the pain may seem mild. Still, it is important to get checked if you have wrist pain after a fall.

Causes and Risk Factors

Most scaphoid fractures happen when you fall on an outstretched hand. The force travels up the wrist and breaks the scaphoid bone. Other causes include sports injuries or car accidents. Some people are at higher risk, such as:

Young adults and teenagers

People who play contact sports

Those with weak bones due to health conditions

Because the scaphoid bone has a poor blood supply, healing can take longer than other wrist fractures.

How Scaphoid Fractures Are Diagnosed

If you have wrist pain after a fall, a doctor will check your wrist for tenderness and swelling. Next, they may order X-rays to look for a scaphoid fracture. However, small breaks may not show up right away. In that case, your doctor might use other tests, such as:

MRI scans, which show soft tissue and small bone injuries

CT scans, which give a clearer picture of the bone

Sometimes, doctors will put your wrist in a splint and repeat X-rays after a week or two. This helps catch fractures that were not visible at first.

Treatment Options for Scaphoid Fractures

Treatment depends on the location and type of fracture. For many people, non-surgical care works well. But some may need surgery. Here are the main options:

Non-Surgical Treatment

Wearing a cast or splint for 6 to 12 weeks

Keeping the wrist still to help the bone heal

Regular X-rays to check healing progress

Most simple fractures heal with a cast. However, healing time can vary. Some people may need a cast for longer, especially if the bone has a poor blood supply.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be needed if the bone is broken into pieces or does not line up well

Doctors use screws or pins to hold the bone together

After surgery, you may still need a cast or splint

Surgery can help the bone heal faster and lower the risk of long-term problems.

Recovery Tips and Lifestyle Guidance

Healing from a scaphoid fracture takes time. But you can help your recovery by following these tips:

Keep your cast or splint dry and clean

Do not use your injured hand for heavy lifting

Follow your doctor’s advice about movement and exercise

Attend all follow-up appointments to track healing

Eat a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D

Scaphoid fracture recovery time can range from 6 weeks to several months. However, most people return to normal activities after healing. If you notice ongoing pain or stiffness, let your doctor know right away.

Prevention Strategies

While not all injuries can be avoided, you can lower your risk of a scaphoid fracture by taking these steps:

Wear wrist guards during sports like skateboarding or snowboarding

Use proper technique when falling, such as rolling instead of landing on your hands

Keep your bones strong with regular exercise and a balanced diet

Be careful on slippery surfaces to avoid falls

Early treatment can prevent long-term problems, so always seek help if you have wrist pain after a fall.

When to See a Doctor

If you have wrist pain, swelling, or trouble moving your thumb after a fall, see a doctor soon. Quick care can help your scaphoid bone injury heal well and prevent lasting damage.

Consult an orthopedic specialist at Ortho Planet Clinic, Bangalore for personalized advice on scaphoid fractures.