Scaphoid Fractures




Scaph1_c

The scaphoid is a very critical and important bone in the wrist.  The scaphoid spans across the two rows of the wrist, the proximal and distal row.   The scaphoid serves a stabilizing function between these rows.  If the scaphoid is fractured, it can no longer properly stabilize these two rows and causes much disability in the wrist.




Scaph2_c

When a scaphoid fracture is present there may often be tenderness over this bone in the wrist.  The are where the scaphoid lies is known as the "snuffbox" in the wrist.  



Scaph3_c

Scaphoid fractures need to be treated appropriately.  There are various treatments recommended depending on the type and severity of the scaphoid fracture.  This diagram shows a compression screw that has been placed across the scaphoid fracture site.





scaphoid_fig2a

This X-ray shows a scaphoid nonunion.  The scaphoid fracture had never healed properly and now is not able to heal on its own.  This can often quite a bit of dysfunction in the wrist and will need to be treated.


© Raymond Severt 2013