Fractures of the scaphoid bone. How to handle this common wrist injury.

A combination of forces makes the scaphoid bone susceptible to fracture. The common mechanism of trauma is a force applied to the palmar aspect of the wrist while it is in extreme dorsiflexion. Because early fracture diagnosis by x-ray study is difficult, all patients with a suspicious wrist injury and tenderness in the scaphoid region should be treated as if they have a fracture until radiographs at two and four weeks are normal. Treatment usually consists of immobilization using a long or short plaster arm cast. Various treatment methods, including electrical stimulation, are used when nonunion occurs. It is important to remember that patients are mainly concerned with results, not means, as long as such means are fast, safe, and minimally disabling.