Can a scaphoid fracture lead to avascular necrosis?
Avascular necrosis is common complication of a scaphoid fracture (in around 30\% of cases), with its risk increasing the more proximal the fracture. Non-union is the bone failing to heal properly, most commonly due to a poor blood supply.
What happens if a scaphoid fracture doesn’t heal?
If a Scaphoid fracture does not heal, it is called a Scaphoid Fracture Non-union. If left untreated, the part of the Scaphoid that interacts with the Radius may die, which can lead to painful arthritis in the wrist, developing months to years after the initial injury.
Is avascular necrosis of the scaphoid painful?
Idiopathic avascular necrosis of the scaphoid was first described in 1910 by Preiser [1]. This disease develops insidiously beginning with pain and sometimes swelling around the anatomical snuffbox, which may be associated with loss of strength and reduced range of motion in the wrist.
What nerve is affected in scaphoid fracture?
Within scaphoid fractures, the median nerve can be damaged in some ways. A displaced fracture could determine an acute4 or progressive nerve compression,5,6,7 whereas in nondisplaced ones, this eventuality could occur by the fracture hematoma.
Can the scaphoid bone be replaced?
A scaphoid replacement was performed using a titanium custom-made 3D-printed implant. At 1-year follow-up, good clinical and radiographic outcome was obtained. Titanium custom-made 3D-printed implants may offer a good surgical solution for patients requiring total scaphoid replacement.
What is the treatment for a scaphoid fracture?
Treatment for a scaphoid fracture can range from casting to surgery, depending on the fracture’s severity and location on the bone. Because portions of the scaphoid have a poor blood supply—and a fracture can further disrupt the flow of blood to the bone—complications with the healing process are common. Anatomy
What are the treatment options for scaphoid nonunions?
Surgical treatment is directed at correcting the deformity with open reduction and internal fixation with bone grafting. Recently, vascularized bone grafts have gained popularity in the treatment of scaphoid nonunions, particularly in cases with avascular necrosis.
How long does it take for a broken scaphoid bone to heal?
The treatment your doctor recommends will depend on a number of factors, including: Fracture near the thumb. Scaphoid fractures that are closer to the thumb (distal pole) usually heal in a matter of weeks with proper protection and restricted activity. This part of the scaphoid bone has a good blood supply, which is necessary for healing.
What is the blood supply to the scaphoid bone?
Abstract. The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone, accounting for approximately 60\% of all carpal fractures. 1 The importance of a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment of scaphoid fractures lies in its blood supply. The main blood supply to the scaphoid is from the radial artery.