How long does it take to recover from a scaphoid fracture?

How long does it take to recover from a scaphoid fracture?

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.

What is the best treatment for a scaphoid fracture?

There are two general approaches for treatment of a scaphoid fracture: cast immobilization or surgical stabilization. As long as the scaphoid fracture is not displaced (out of position), cast immobilization is a very reasonable treatment. The cast must extend over your thumb to limit the mobility of your thumb.

What percentage of scaphoid fractures require surgery?

Of 8923 closed scaphoid fractures, 29 and 71\% were treated with surgery and casting, respectively. The frequency of surgical treatment rose significantly, from 22.1\% in 2006 to 34.1\% in 2012. The frequency of nonunion treatment was 10.8\% after surgery and 3\% after casting; neither changed over time.

Can a scaphoid fracture heal in 6 weeks?

Distal scaphoid fractures (closer to the thumb) can heal much quicker (6 weeks) however fractures in the proximal aspect of the scaphoid (further away from the thumb) can take much longer (3 months or more) to heal.

How is scaphoid nonunion treated?

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.

Do all scaphoid fractures need surgery?

Yes. If you receive proper treatment and restrict activity with your hand, a scaphoid fracture may heal without surgery. Your doctor will likely recommend casting if it appears that the bones may heal on their own. The cast immobilizes your wrist, so the pieces of bone to fuse back together.

How long do you wear a cast for a scaphoid fracture?

Fractures that are in the proximal pole of the scaphoid, displaced, or not treated soon after injury require surgical repair. The goal is to put the bones back in alignment and stabilize them so they can heal properly. After surgery, you will usually be in a cast for eight to 12 weeks.

Can you move your thumb with a scaphoid fracture?

Most people with a scaphoid fracture (which is the same as a broken wrist) will have pain and/or swelling along the thumb side of the wrist within days following a fall. Because there is no visible deformity and no difficulty with motion, many people with this injury assume that it is a wrist sprain.

What happens if you don’t fix a scaphoid fracture?

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.

Does the screw stay in for scaphoid?

Scaphoid fractures are often fixated using titanium Herbert screws, which generally remain in the body.