Did you fall on your outstretched hand and now have pain at the base of your thumb? You may be experiencing the painful symptoms of a wrist fracture, commonly referred to as a scaphoid bone fracture by doctors.
The scaphoid bone is located near the base of the thumb and is one of eight bones that make up the wrist. This bone plays a crucial role in wrist movement and stability.
Scaphoid bone fractures are a common type of wrist injury in sports or other activities with high impact because it’s a result of falling on an outstretched hand.
Common scaphoid bone fracture symptoms
Scaphoid bone fracture symptoms can include:
- Pain at the base of the thumb on the wrist when pressed
- Pain with forceful extension of the wrist or in a “push up” type action
- Pain produced during lifting
- Swelling in the wrist
- Difficulty moving the wrist or thumb
- Bruising or discoloration
“The symptoms of scaphoid fracture can be deceiving,” said Dr. Steven Taylor, orthopedic and hand surgeon with Marshfield Clinic Health System. “Good recovery depends on early diagnosis and treatment.”
Many times, scaphoid injury is assumed a sprain and medical treatment is not immediately sought. However, as pain continues and symptoms don’t subside, the injured person seeks medical attention.
Injury recall helps diagnosis
A wrist X-ray can be helpful in diagnosis, but is not always reliable.
“Instead, diagnosis of scaphoid fracture is determined by recounting the physical actions leading up to the injury, identifying the location of pain and reviewing X-rays of the injured wrist,” said Dr. Taylor.
In some cases, additional imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI may be required to confirm a scaphoid bone fracture diagnosis.
Treatment options for scaphoid bone fractures vary
The treatment for a scaphoid bone fracture will depend on the location and severity of the break. When considering treatment options, your provider will look at:
- How much time has lapsed between the time of the injury and the diagnosis of the fracture.
- What the location is of the fracture line.
- How restricted can the person be during treatment and recovery.
Fractures where the bone pieces remain aligned, or non-displaced fractures, can often be treated with a cast or splint. Recovery time may take around six weeks.
Fractures where the bone pieces have shifted, or displaced fractures, may need surgery. Surgery can involve the use of screws or pins to stabilize the bone.
“Good recovery depends most on how quickly treatment is started. Different types of fracture patterns respond better to surgery rather than casting alone,” said Dr. Taylor.
Help prevent future scaphoid bone fractures
“It’s impossible to prevent all accidents, but taking precautions can reduce your risk of these fractures,” said Dr. Taylor.
- Wear protective gear while playing sports
- Use wrist guards during high-impact activities
- Strengthen wrist muscles through regular exercise
“If you notice any symptoms of a scaphoid bone fracture or suspect you have a fracture, seek medical attention to ensure proper diagnosis and start treatment early,” said Dr. Taylor.
For immediate care, visit Marshfield Clinic Health System.
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