The scaphoid is the most common of the carpal bones to be
injured. A fracture of the scaphoid normally results from a fall
onto the outstretched hand. Symptoms of Scaphoid Fractures There
is pain, swelling and tenderness over the thumb side of the
wrist. Radiographs of the wrist confirm a fracture. Occasionally
initial radiographs taken soon after the injury may not show the
fracture. If a fracture is suspected but not confirmed it should
be treated as one, the wrist immobilised in a splint or cast and
then re-examined and further radiographs taken 10-14 days after
the injury. An MRI scan of the wrist is also helpful in
establishing the diagnosis. Treatment of Scaphoid Fractures Most
scaphoid fractures may be treated in a cast for a period of 8
weeks. The fracture may be slow to heal and immobilisation in a
cast may be necessary for up to 12 weeks. There is a small risk
that the fracture may not heal or that one of the broken
fragments bone loses its blood supply as a result of the injury,
a process known as