The scaphoid, one of the eight bones in the wrist, is the bone that performs the most important functions of the wrist. As a result of the fracture in the scaphoid bone, the joint loses all its balance.
What Causes Scaphoid Fractures?
The scaphoid bone may break as a result of a blow to the hand while the palm is open. The pain that occurs when the fracture first occurs may decrease over time and the swelling may not be as much. If there is no visible deformation or curvature in the hand, the patient may think that the wrist is slightly injured, and it may take weeks or even months to consult a specialist physician.
How are Scaphoid Fractures Diagnosed?
Scaphoid fracture. Although it can be detected by x-ray, if the broken bone is displaced, the fracture may not be diagnosed on x-ray. In scaphoid fractures, the pain is located in the hollow behind the thumb. Even if the patient's x-rays are clear, if the doctor is worried about a scaphoid fracture, he or she may want the patient to have another x-ray taken within a few weeks. A wrist protective splint is used for treatment in the first weeks. In addition, fractures can be diagnosed in advance with advanced examination methods such as MRI and tomography.
How is Scaphoid Fracture Treated?
In case of scaphoid bone fractures, the wrist is put in a cast for at least six weeks.
Is a Surgical Procedure Required for Scaphoid Fracture?
In cases where the scaphoid fracture slips, the bone is corrected by surgery and placed in place with screws or nails.
What are the Complications in Scaphoid Fracture?
Even in cases where a scaphoid fracture is not noticed in the early period and appropriate treatment is applied, non-union of the fracture may occur. In such cases, the structure and arrangement of the wrist may deteriorate and degenerative arthritis may develop. If it is noticed that the fracture does not heal before degenerative arthritis develops, union surgery is performed.
If the blood vessels feeding the bone are ruptured, part of the scaphoid may decay. In this case, the bone may become deformed and arthritis may occur in the long term. This complication is called avascular necrosis.
In some cases, degenerative arthritis has already occurred and rescue surgery may be required, not boiling surgery.
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