Scaphoid Fracture

Question 1

Where is the scaphoid bone?

Answer 1

Bone in hand

• below thumb
• closest to wrist

Question 2

Pathophysiology of scaphoid fracture

Answer 2

Scaphoid divided into

• proximal pole
• waist
• distal pole

Blood supply

• branches of radial artery
• dorsal branch enter distal pole
• travels retrogradely to proximal pole

Risk of loss of blood supply

Question 3

Clinical features of scaphoid fractures

Answer 3

Following trauma

Sudden onset wrist pain
Tenderness in anatomical snuffbox

Question 4

Investigations for suspected scaphoid fracture

Answer 4

X-ray

Question 5

Management of scaphoid fracture

Answer 5

Undisplaced fracture
- immobilisation

Displaced fracture
- fixed operatively

Question 6

Complications of scaphoid fractures

Answer 6

Avascular necrosis - risk increased the more proximal the fracture