What happens if scaphoid bone dies

Surgical treatment is indicated for non-displaced scaphoid fractures which have not healed after 6 weeks of splinting. It is also necessary for unstable scaphoid fractures and displaced scaphoid fractures. Screws are most often used to realign the scaphoid fragments via open reduction and internal fixation.

If union of the bone is not achieved with surgery, bone grafting may be needed to heal the fracture. Frequently surgery is done to speed up the healing time such as elite athletes allowing them to return to play quicker. Scaphoid fractures are common, and often patients do not seek medical attention until the pain has become unbearable.

Knight will quickly diagnose the problem and settle on a course of action that best fits your injury and lifestyle. He will also work quickly to avoid any complications, which may arise if the injury is left too long untreated. Our offices are easily accessible from Dallas and Dr. Knight is considered one of the top hand doctors in Dallas, TX. Come to our Dallas office or Southlake office to see what he can do for you.

Can a scaphoid fracture heal on its own? Due to the sensitive nature of the bone involved in this particular fracture, it cannot be left to heal on its own, and it is unadvisable to take this tack. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you feel you may be suffering from a scaphoid fracture.

If the condition is left untreated for too long, then the blood supply to the scaphoid bone can be compromised, which can cause the bone to die, and this leads to complications and pain and loss of motion and use in the wrist, which can have devastating effects.

How long does it take for a scaphoid fracture to heal? Phone: Fax: Used with permission from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. The scaphoid bone is one of the eight small bones that comprise the wrist joint. The two rows of small wrist bones act together to allow the wide variety of wrist positions and motions that we take for granted.

The scaphoid bone spans or links these two rows together and therefore has a special role in wrist stability and coordinating wrist motion. The scaphoid bone is vulnerable to fracture because of its position within the wrist and its role in wrist function.

When the scaphoid bone is broken, it may not heal properly because it has a very fragile blood supply. Scaphoid fractures that do not heal are referred to as a scaphoid non-union. Ultimately, scaphoid non-unions can lead to loss of wrist motion and eventual wrist arthritis. Patients with a scaphoid non-union usually present with a history of previous wrist injury, especially a fall onto an outstretched wrist.

Once a scaphoid fracture has been diagnosed, it can be treated through either nonsurgical or surgical options—or sometimes both.

If the fracture is non-displaced the bones are still in position , physicians may recommend 6 weeks of immobilization in a cast, accompanied by imaging check-ups to confirm the fracture is healing correctly. Despite the smallness of the bone, the cast may be fairly extensive, because the scaphoid bone is involved with almost all movement of the hand and wrist. See The P. Protocol Principles.

If the scaphoid bone is not healing properly non-union , a bone stimulator—a device that delivers low-intensity ultrasonic or pulsed electromagnetic waves—may be used to promote bone growth. For a fracture that poses risk for non-union or is displaced, surgery is the best recourse for treatment. Depending on the nature of the fracture, the surgeon will choose how to approach the fracture front or back of the wrist and how extensive the incisions need to be.

He or she will first conduct a a physical examination. However, despite having very focused, orthopedic training, even the best hand doctor or surgeon will usually rely on X-rays or, in some cases, a CT scan or MRI imaging to confirm the diagnosis. It is important get the right treatment. Otherwise, you risk improper healing and future problems like painful arthritis. A scaphoid fracture that is correctly treated soon after the injury will take about 12 weeks to heel.

But an untreated fracture may take as long as six months to recover from. Untreated patients will also usually experience long-term problems moving their wrist or other complications see below.

The most common treatment is to put the wrist in a long-arm cast that extends from the thumb to just below the elbow.

A scaphoid fracture can lead to wrist osteoarthritis, especially if the fracture is untreated and does not heal correctly.