Medical Library

1609 Woodbourne Rd #203B | Levittown, PA 19057 (215) 945-0100

2776 Knights Rd | Bensalem, PA 19020 (215) 945-0100

Medical Library

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Wrist/Hand Articles

Skier's Thumb (Gamekeeper's thumb) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Guyon’s Canal Syndrome (Handlebar Palsy) De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Fractures of the Forearm/Wrist Distal Radius Fracture Colles, Smith Fractures Scaphoid Fracture Fracture of the Hook of Hamate Mallet (Baseball) Finger

Links: Neck : Shoulder : Back : Elbow : Wrist & Hand : Hip: Knee : Leg : Ankle & Foot

Scaphoid Fracture

A common fracture in the carpal wrist bone is the scaphoid fracture. Often misdiagnosed as a wrist sprain, individuals experience tenderness or pain at the base of the thumb where the wrist meets, a region known as the anatomical snuffbox. This type of fracture typically occurs in adolescents or young adults who have fallen onto an outstretched hand or sustained high-velocity wrist injuries, such as those from motorcycle accidents.

Treating a scaphoid fracture can be challenging. If the scaphoid bone has a small crack, it necessitates wearing a thumb splint for approximately 6 weeks or until the fracture has healed. However, if the bone is completely fractured, surgical fixation becomes necessary. Due to the peculiar blood supply to the scaphoid, there is a risk that the fracture may not heal completely, leading to delayed union, or avascular necrosis, which is the death of the bone caused by the loss of blood supply.

Possible Treatments

Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy

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