What are Scaphoid Fractures?

Scaphoid fractures are a common type of wrist injury that can affect people of all ages. The scaphoid bone is one of eight small bones in the wrist, located near the base of the thumb. Unlike some fractures, scaphoid breaks are often tricky to spot. This can make treatment difficult and lead to complications if not handled correctly. Recognising the injury early and understanding treatment options is essential for a full recovery. This guide explains everything you need to know about scaphoid fractures in clear, simple terms.

Where is the Scaphoid Bone?

The scaphoid is a small, boat-shaped bone on the thumb side of your wrist. It sits just above the radius, one of the two long bones in your forearm. The scaphoid helps stabilise the wrist and allows smooth movement. Because of its key position, the scaphoid bears a lot of stress during falls or impacts. There are eight carpal bones in the wrist, but the scaphoid is the one most likely to break. Understanding its location helps explain why pain in this area after an injury should never be ignored.

What Causes a Scaphoid Fracture?

Scaphoid fractures often happen when you fall onto an outstretched hand. This means your palm hits the ground while your wrist is bent backward. This action puts sudden pressure on the scaphoid bone, causing it to crack or break. These fractures can also result from sports injuries or car accidents. Unlike some fractures, scaphoid breaks don’t depend much on underlying health conditions. However, using wrist guards during high-impact sports may reduce your risk.

Common causes include:

• Falling onto an outstretched hand
  
• Sports-related trauma
  
• Car crashes or direct blows to the wrist
  
  

How Can You Recognise a Scaphoid Fracture?

Scaphoid fractures are often easy to miss because the pain may be mild or mistaken for a simple wrist sprain. However, certain symptoms should raise suspicion:

• Pain and swelling in the anatomical snuffbox, the hollow near the base of the thumb
  
• Tenderness when pressing on the thumb side of the wrist
  
• Severe pain when trying to pinch or grasp objects
  
• Wrist stiffness or difficulty moving the joint
  
• Pain that does not improve within a day or two
  
  

If you experience these symptoms after a fall or injury, it is important to get your wrist checked by a healthcare professional promptly.

Types and Locations of Scaphoid Fractures

Three basic sections make up the scaphoid bone: the distal pole close to the hand, the waist in the centre, and the proximal pole furthest to the forearm. Most fractures occur in the midriff region. The blood flow varies throughout the bone, hence the site of the bone fracture can influence recovery. For instance, poor blood flow causes breaks in the proximal pole to heal more slowly.

Fractures are further defined as non-displaced or displaced. A broken bone's parts have moved apart in what is called a displaced fracture. Usually surgery is needed in these instances. Often recovered with immobilisation, non-displaced fractures are those in which the bone fragments remain aligned.

Diagnosing a Scaphoid Fracture

Diagnosing a scaphoid fracture begins with a careful physical examination. Your doctor will check for tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox and assess wrist movement and swelling. Imaging tests confirm the diagnosis:

• X-rays are the first step but can sometimes miss early fractures.
  
• MRI scans offer a more detailed view, especially useful for hidden or occult fractures.
  
• CT scans provide a clear picture of bone alignment and help plan surgery if needed.
  
  

Occult fractures don’t always show on X-rays right after injury, so doctors may recommend MRI or CT scans if symptoms persist despite normal X-rays.

Treatment Options for Scaphoid Fractures

Treatment depends on the fracture’s location, whether the bone fragments have moved, and how long ago the injury occurred.

Non-surgical treatments include:

• Immobilisation with a splint or plaster cast for 6 to 8 weeks
  
• Follow-up X-rays to monitor healing
  
  

Closed reduction (non-surgical realignment) may be used if:

• The bone pieces have shifted slightly
  
• The procedure is done under local or general anaesthesia
  
• The wrist is then immobilised in a cast
  
  

Surgical treatments involve:

• Internal fixation using metal screws, plates, or pins to hold bone fragments in place
  
• Bone grafting to help healing when fractures are displaced or fail to heal
  
• Surgery is often outpatient, with immobilisation after the procedure
  
  

Choosing the right treatment is critical for proper healing and to prevent long-term complications.

Also read : What Is Hypertonicity

Complications of Untreated Scaphoid Fractures

Ignoring or mismanaging a scaphoid fracture can lead to serious problems:

• Nonunion: The bone fails to heal properly or at all.
  
• Malunion: The bone heals in a misaligned position.
  
• Avascular necrosis: Loss of blood supply causes bone tissue to die, especially in the proximal pole.
  
• Arthritis: Joint damage and stiffness develop over time due to poor healing.
  
• Acute compartment syndrome: A rare emergency caused by swelling that cuts off blood flow, risking muscle and nerve damage.
  
  

Timely diagnosis and treatment greatly reduce these risks.

Recommended Wrist Supports for Scaphoid Fracture Recovery

Recovering from a scaphoid fracture means giving your wrist the support it needs to heal properly. The TFCC Support Wrist Brace is excellent for stabilising the wrist and easing pressure on delicate ligaments and bones. If you prefer something lighter and more flexible, the UltraFlex Wrist Brace offers gentle compression and breathability, so you can wear it comfortably throughout the day without feeling restricted. For those who need sturdy support during daily activities or workouts, the Performance Wrist Brace provides reliable stability and long-lasting comfort. Don’t forget about the ErgoThumb Spica Splint, which specifically supports the thumb joint, helping reduce strain and speed up recovery. Including these supports in your healing routine can make a real difference in protecting your wrist and getting you back to full strength.

Preventing Scaphoid Fractures

While not all falls or injuries are avoidable, you can reduce your risk by:

• Wearing wrist guards during high-impact sports
  
• Maintaining a clutter-free home and work environment to prevent trips and falls
  
• Using walking aids carefully on uneven surfaces
  
• Following a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to keep bones strong
  
• Discussing bone health with your doctor, especially if you are over 50 or have osteoporosis risk factors
  
  

Conclusion

Though seemingly little, scaphoid fractures need prompt and correct attention. Early detection and proper therapy guarantee your wrist heals well and help to avoid long-term injury. Should you suspect a scaphoid fracture, get medical counsel right away. Most individuals recover full wrist mobility with patience and care and live an active life free of persistent issues.