Scaphoid fracture
About Scaphoid fracture
A fracture is a broken bone. The scaphoid is a bone in the hand at the base of the thumb which links the wrist to the hand. A scaphoid fracture is not always seen on x-ray. If the patient has tenderness at the base of thumb in an area called the anatomic snuff box many times the medical provider will splint the wrist and thumb as if it was fractured. Sometimes surgery is needed to realign the bones and to place a screw or wire to stabilize the bones while they heal. Severe fractures may have an associated tendon, nerve or blood vessel injury.Symptoms
Pain, swelling, bruising of the skin, pain with movement, numbness of the thumb, inability to move the thumb, tenderness in the anatomic snuff box of the hand.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be done. An x-ray will confirm the diagnosis.OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Most fractures can be treated by splinting the thumb in a thumb spica splint. Splinting keeps the broken edges of the bone from moving very much, and this helps the bone to heal. Sometimes a wire or screw must be placed to stabilize the bone while it heals. OTC pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve) can be used. Narcotic pain medications may be prescribed as well including: hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Vicodin, Lortab), tramadol and acetaminophen (Ultram), or oxycodone and acetaminophen (Endocet, Percocet). If the bone punctures the skin the injury will need to be cleaned very well and antibiotics may be given to prevent an infection.Medical specialties
Orthopedic Surgery · Hand Surgery
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Scaphoid fracture.