Symptoms and evaluation
Pain and tenderness are often present on the thumb side of the wrist after a fall or injury. Initial X-rays may not always show a nondisplaced fracture, so repeat imaging, CT or MRI can be appropriate when clinical suspicion remains high.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on fracture location, displacement, stability, healing potential and patient needs. Selected stable fractures can heal with immobilization, while displaced, unstable or higher-risk fractures may be treated with screw fixation.
Recovery and return to activity
Healing is monitored with examination and imaging. Return to heavier activity depends on evidence of union, wrist motion and strength.
When to seek evaluation
Persistent pain, numbness, weakness, loss of motion, deformity or symptoms that interfere with sleep, work or daily activities are reasonable reasons to seek an orthopedic evaluation. Urgent injuries with severe deformity, open wounds or compromised circulation require prompt medical attention.
Common questions
Scaphoid fractures deserve follow-up because delayed diagnosis or impaired healing can lead to nonunion and later wrist arthritis.
Specialized upper-extremity care
Dr. Devin W. Collins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand, upper-extremity and microvascular surgery. Treatment recommendations are individualized to the diagnosis, severity, goals and needs of each patient.