Scaphoid Fractures

See what a scaphoid fracture looks like and hear Dr. Warhold describe a procedure that does not require casting.

For more information about the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hand Clinic, please visit us at http://www.dhmc.org/goto/handclinic

Category:

Education

Tags:

• scaphoid
• fracture
• warhold
• hand clinic
• orthopaedics
• scaphiod
• hockey
• dirt bike
• cast
• snowboard
• skiing
• surgery
• scafoid
• physiotherapy
• wrist

[jongsin]

Had a breakage for almost a year now(through rugby injury), doctor said its knitted back well, but ive been smoking throughout the recovery time and i still get stiffness and pain when i press down on the wrist (such as the press up position) ive decided to give up now but is it too little too late...how much worse has this made it? :(

[DartmouthHitchcock]

@jongsin We definitely urge smokers to stop while recovering from injuries, but it's impossible to say exactly how it's affected your situation. The important thing is that you've decided now! That's wonderful. Tell your doctor about the discomfort you're still feeling, and be honest about the fact that you were still smoking while recovering. Your doctor can adjust your physical therapy, if needed, and direct you to quit-smoking resources in your area. Good luck, and congratulations!

[sinatrafan1987]

I had a bone graft and a screw put in about 3yrs ago. The break never healed. My doctor did not want to do surgery again, so I saw another one. He is willing to do surgery, but only feels 50% confident that he could "fix" my wrist. He wants to start with "removing the screw..then we'll see how you feel" Should I give up on ever having a normal wrist again? I fear less mobility if I do attempt surgery again, and I also fear arthritis if I dont...anyone have any advice?

[DartmouthHitchcock]

@sinatrafan1987 Be careful taking medical advice from anyone who has not personally examined your wrist, Sinatrafan. Every situation is so different from the others. If you trust your doctor but aren't happy with the odds, discuss your concerns with him. The more you communicate, the more comfortable you're likely to feel with him -- or the more clearly you'll see that you need another opinion.

[TheMoviesforall]

I received my surgery on November 4th 2011. I still have my cast on. How long should I have it on, cause most people have it off sooner. I can fully move my fingers, have no pain either.

[DartmouthHitchcock]

@TheMoviesforall That's a question you should ask your doctor directly. Every case is different -- we don't know the particulars of your situation and haven't examined you in person. There may be a specific reason your doctor wanted you to be in a cast for this length of time. Good luck!

[evodmtshizz]

Broke my scaphoid four weeks ago in a motorcycle crash, i've just finished my trade as a plumber and my surgeon says i will be in so much pain from arthritis i will need a bone fusion in 5 to ten years, i think i discolated 5 of the other bones in my wrist. Some wires and screws were put in, is it worth seeing another surgeon? (i live in Australia and had no choice of specialsit as it was an emergenct) as my job is my lively hood.

[jongsin]

@foozbal891 ive had it for pretty much a year, doctor said its knitted back together perfectly but the time for the b one to fuse fully still hasnt happened, probably because i smoke (idiot i know) id say if its giving you loads of discomfort after another month go back to the doctors....

[foozbal891]

@jongsin i broke mine in rugby as well. I had the surgery over 3 months ago and it still shows no signs of a union. I might end up getting a second surgery to apply a bone graft. how long did it take you?

[HotProperty83]

@TheMoviesforall lets say this, i had the sugury march (late) in 2010, then by start of may i was in the plastic 1.

[HotProperty83]

@TheMoviesforall I was in the cast for close to 4 wks before surgery, then had surgery, went like 2 weeks more then went to moulded plastic cast.

[sinatrafan1987]

Thank u! I appreciate the advice

[sinatrafan1987]

Have they done anything since u posted this a yr ago? 3yrs since my first unsuccessful surgery..My doctors dont seem too confident in healing it completely..