How do you treat a non-union scaphoid fracture?

How do you treat a non-union scaphoid fracture?

Nonoperative treatments of scaphoid nonunions include electrical or ultrasound bone stimulation combined with cast immobilization. Nonunion by conventional terms is a nonhealed scaphoid 6 months after injury, whereas a delayed union is a time frame that is less than 6 months.

How long should a scaphoid fracture be immobilized?

Scaphoid waist fractures with moderate displacement (0.5–1.5 mm) can be treated conservatively, but require prolonged cast immobilization for approximately eight to ten weeks. Internal fixation is recommended for all scaphoid waist fractures with dislocation ≥ 1.5 mm.

Is a fracture of the scaphoid serious?

Scaphoid fractures that are not diagnosed and treated are in danger of developing two serious complications: Nonunion—when the bone fragments heal improperly or incompletely. Avascular necrosis—when the fracture causes blood supply to be cut off to part or all of the bone, causing the bone tissue to die.

How long does a minor scaphoid fracture take to heal?

The peculiarity of its blood supply is the primary reason for this prolonged healing period. Whereas other fractures in the upper extremity require an average of six weeks, a scaphoid fracture requires an average of 12 weeks if treated immediately, and as long as six months if the diagnosis is delayed.

Can I move my wrist with a scaphoid fracture?

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).

Should thumb be immobilized for scaphoid fracture?

In conclusion, this study demonstrated that, for nondisplaced scaphoid waist fractures, wrist immobilization is crucial to limiting fracture displacement. However, immobilization of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint does not contribute to fracture stability under physiologic loading.

Can you move your wrist with a scaphoid fracture?

How painful is a scaphoid fracture?

Scaphoid fractures usually cause pain and swelling in the anatomic snuffbox and on the thumb side of the wrist. The pain may be severe when you move your thumb or wrist, or when you try to pinch or grasp something. Unless your wrist is deformed, it might not be obvious that your scaphoid bone is broken.

What is the fastest way to heal a broken scaphoid?

The Road to Recovery The best ways to support the health of your scaphoid bone after a fracture include: Immobilizing the area until your physician says it is okay to reintroduce movements and strengthening exercises. Using a cast or brace to help reinforce your efforts at immobilizing the scaphoid bone.

How do you fix a non-union fracture?

Several types of surgery can be used to treat a nonunion depending on the individual case. A surgeon may perform a bone graft to provide a framework upon which new bone can grow. Bone grafts provide fresh bone cells and other naturally occurring chemicals in the bone that can aid growth to heal a nonunion.

What is a scaphoid fracture?

Scaphoid Fractures are the most common carpal bone fracture, often occurring after a fall onto an outstretched hand. Diagnosis can generally be made by dedicated radiographs but CT or MRI may be needed for confirmation.

How does the scaphoid flex during wrist extension?

the scaphoid flexes with wrist flexion and radial deviation and extends during wrist extension and ulnar deviation (same as proximal row) See Wrist Ligaments and Biomechanics for more detail

Is scaphoid bone articular or nonarticular?

Articular surface > 75% of scaphoid bone is covered by articular cartilage. Blood supply major blood supply is dorsal carpal branch (branch of the radial artery) enters scaphoid in a nonarticular ridge on the dorsal surface and supplies proximal 80% of scaphoid via retrograde blood flow.

What is the major blood supply to the scaphoid bone?

major blood supply is dorsal carpal branch (branch of the radial artery) enters scaphoid in a nonarticular ridge on the dorsal surface and supplies proximal 80% of scaphoid via retrograde blood flow minor blood supply from superficial palmar arch (branch of volar radial artery) enters distal tubercle and supplies distal 20% of scaphoid