Fractures of the scaphoid bone. A follow-up study.

Fracture of the scaphoid bone is the most common fracture of the carpal bones (Dunn 1972). Primary diagnosis can be difficult, and misdiagnosis with subsequent inadequate treatment often results in a permanently painful wrist with reduced function of the hand. We have observed that the immobilization time for scaphoid fractures at this clinic is shorter than is usually reported (Cooney et al. 1980; Dunn 1972; Eddeland et al. 1975). We have also observed that in some cases major diastasis in the fractures coincided with delayed union or non-union. Since opinions on the treatment of these fractures have varied on some points, we find it worthwhile to present our results. The major aims of the study were to evaluate whether the short immobilization time has any bearing on the fracture healing and, furthermore, whether the presence of a significant diastasis of the fracture affects the healing.