Key points about scaphoid fracture
- A scaphoid fracture is a break in the small bone on the thumb side of the wrist.
- It commonly occurs from falling on an outstretched hand.
- Early diagnosis is critical to prevent poor healing due to limited blood supply in the bone.
- Some fractures do not show up on initial X-rays.
- Treatment may involve casting or surgery, depending on the severity and location of the fracture.
Common related conditions
Scaphoid fracture causes
- Falling onto your hand while it’s outstretched
- Direct impact to the wrist
- Sports injuries involving wrist trauma
- Repetitive stress injuries (this is less common but can happen to athletes over time)
Scaphoid fracture risk factors
- Contact sports and high-impact activities like football, lacrosse or hockey
- Skateboarding, snowboarding or biking
- Poor bone density or previous wrist injuries
- Male athletes aged 15–30
Scaphoid fracture symptoms
- Pain and tenderness in the anatomic snuffbox (a dip near the base of the thumb)
- Swelling and bruising in the wrist
- Difficulty moving the wrist or gripping objects
- Pain that persists even after initial injury
Scaphoid fracture diagnosis
- Your doctor performs a physical examination focusing on tenderness in the snuffbox area
- X-rays of the wrist (although these may not show a fracture initially)
- MRI or CT scan may be needed if pain continues and X-rays didn’t show enough information
Scaphoid fracture treatment
- Immobilization with a cast or thumb splint for non-displaced fractures
- Surgery (with screws or pins) for displaced or poorly aligned fractures
- Monitoring healing progress with follow-up imaging
- Physical therapy may be recommended after cast removal or surgery
When to seek care
- Wrist pain after a fall that doesn’t improve in a day or two
- Tenderness near the base of the thumb
- Swelling and reduced wrist function
- If initial X-rays are normal but pain persists, follow up with a specialist