A scaphoid fracture involves a break in the scaphoid bone, one of the small carpal bones on the thumb side of the wrist, just above the radius. It’s the most commonly fractured carpal bone, often caused by a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH).

🔎 Why It’s Important

• The scaphoid has poor blood supply, especially to its proximal pole, making it prone to nonunion (failure to heal) or avascular necrosis (AVN).

⚠️ Causes

• Fall onto an outstretched hand (most common)

• Sports injuries

• Motor vehicle accidents

• Rarely from repetitive stress (e.g. gymnasts)

🚨 Symptoms

• Pain in the anatomical snuffbox (between thumb and wrist tendons)

• Swelling and tenderness on thumb side of the wrist

• Decreased grip strength

• Pain worsens with thumb or wrist movement

• Often mistaken for a sprain, so diagnosis is sometimes delayed

🧪 Diagnosis

1. Physical Exam :-

   • Tenderness in snuffbox

   • Pain with axial loading of thumb

2. X-rays :-

   • May appear normal in early stages

   • Special views (scaphoid view) improve detection

3. MRI or CT Scan :-

   • More sensitive for early or occult fractures

   • CT helps in planning surgery and measuring displacement

   • MRI detects AVN

🛠️ Treatment Options

✅ Acute, Non-Displaced Fractures

• Thumb spica cast for 6–12 weeks

• Close follow-up with serial imaging

• High union rate if treated early

🛠️ Displaced or Unstable Fractures

• Surgical fixation using :-

  • Headless compression screws (percutaneous or open)

  • Bone graft (if fracture line is at risk for nonunion or AVN)

• Goal :- Restore alignment, promote healing