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What is a scaphoid fracture?
A scaphoid fracture is a break in the scaphoid bone in the wrist. The scaphoid bone is located in the wrist near the thumb and plays an important role in wrist movements. This fracture usually occurs when a fall hits the wrist. Scaphoid fractures often occur as a result of traumatic events such as sports injuries or traffic accidents.
If left untreated, scaphoid fractures can lead to serious complications and permanently impair the functionality of the wrist. As MSM clinic, we ensure a quick and effective recovery for our patients with correct diagnosis and treatment methods.
What are the symptoms of a scaphoid fracture?
A scaphoid fracture can be accompanied by various symptoms. These symptoms are:
- Pain: Severe pain is felt in the area of the wrist near the thumb. This pain usually subsides at rest, but increases with movement or pressure.
- Swelling: Swelling occurs in the area of the fracture. This swelling can be visible on the wrist and thumb.
- Tenderness: Tenderness and pain can be felt in the area of the scaphoid, especially in the area between the thumb and wrist.
- Bruising: Bruising can occur at the fracture site, but is not always visible.
- Restricted movement: Moving the wrist and thumb can be difficult and painful. In particular, it can become difficult to bend the wrist backwards or move the thumb.
These symptoms can indicate the presence of a scaphoid fracture. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, we recommend that you contact our experts as soon as possible.
How is a scaphoid fracture diagnosed and treated?
Proper diagnosis and treatment of a scaphoid fracture is very important for maintaining wrist functionality. As MSM clinic, our diagnosis and treatment process includes the following steps:
- Physical examination: Your doctor will assess the pain, swelling and tenderness in your wrist. During the examination, special attention will be paid to the area where the scaphoid bone is located.
- Radiography (X-ray): An X-ray will be taken to determine the location and severity of the fracture. Sometimes scaphoid fractures are not immediately visible on X-rays, so images may need to be taken from specific angles.
- Advanced imaging: When X-rays do not provide sufficient information, advanced imaging techniques such as CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be used. These techniques allow for a more detailed assessment of the fracture.
Treatment process:
- Immobilization: For small and stable fractures, a splint or cast is usually applied. Healing of the scaphoid bone can usually take 6-12 weeks.
- Surgical intervention: For more serious fractures or displacement of bone fragments, surgery may be necessary. Surgical treatment involves stabilizing the fractured parts using screws or wires.
- Physiotherapy: After treatment, physiotherapy is used to restore wrist mobility and strength. Special exercise programs are used to increase the functionality of the wrist.
- Follow-up examinations: Regular follow-up examinations are performed to monitor the healing process. These examinations assess whether the healing process is proceeding correctly and update the treatment plan if necessary.
As MSM clinic, we closely monitor the recovery process of each of our patients and provide the necessary support to help them get well as quickly as possible. Our goal is to help our patients return to their daily lives as quickly and safely as possible.
What is the healing process of a scaphoid fracture?
The healing process of a scaphoid fracture varies depending on the type of fracture, its severity and the treatment method used. Here is general information about the healing process of a scaphoid fracture:
- Healing time: The scaphoid bone heals more slowly than other bones of the wrist because blood flow to this area is limited. Simple scaphoid fractures usually heal within 6-12 weeks. However, in comminuted or displaced fractures, the healing time may take up to 3-6 months.
- Thealing process:
o Immobilization: The wrist is immobilized with a cast or splint to allow the broken bones to heal in the correct position. This period usually lasts 6-12 weeks. During the splint or cast treatment, the healing process of the fracture is monitored through regular medical check-ups.
o Surgical intervention: In cases that require surgical treatment, the post-operative recovery time may vary. After surgery, it is important for the patient to protect the surgical area for a period of time and care for it according to their doctor’s recommendations. Immobilization may also be necessary after surgery.
o Physical therapy: Physical therapy is used as part of the treatment process to restore wrist mobility and strength. Physical therapy begins after the splint or cast is removed and may last several weeks. Special exercise programs are used to increase wrist mobility and strength.
o Follow-up examinations: Regular follow-up examinations are performed to monitor the healing process. These examinations assess whether the healing process is proceeding correctly and update the treatment plan if necessary.
- Complications: Scaphoid fractures carry the risk of complications due to the slow healing process and restricted blood flow. If the fracture is left untreated or inadequately treated, nonunion or avascular necrosis may occur. In this case, part of the bone dies due to a lack of blood supply and additional surgical interventions may be required.
As MSM clinic, we closely monitor the recovery process of each of our patients and provide the necessary support to help them get well as quickly as possible. Our goal is to help our patients return to their daily lives as quickly and safely as possible.
