Everything You Need to Know About a Scaphoid Fracture

What is a Scaphoid Fracture?

A scaphoid fracture is a break in the scaphoid bone, one of the small bones in the wrist located near the base of the thumb. It plays a key role in wrist stability and movement. Because it has limited blood supply, it can be slow to heal, and if left untreated, may lead to long-term complications like non-union or arthritis.

An analogy…

Imagine the scaphoid like a tiny bridge between two parts of the wrist. If the bridge cracks, it affects the stability of the whole structure, and because the blood supply to that bridge is weak, it’s harder for the body to repair it quickly.

What are other names that a scaphoid fracture can be called?

Fractured of the Scaphoid

What causes a scaphoid fracture?

The scaphoid is commonly fractured when someone falls on an outstretched hand, and the wrist bends backward under pressure. The force compresses the scaphoid between other wrist bones, causing it to crack. It can be a clean break or just a small hairline fracture, and sometimes it doesn’t show on the first X-ray.

What are the signs and symptoms of a scaphoid fracture?

Pain and tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist
Swelling around the base of the thumb
Pain with gripping, lifting, or pushing through the wrist
Limited wrist movement, especially when bending or twisting
Tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox (a small dip at the base of the thumb)
In some cases, the pain may be mild and easily mistaken for a sprain

What tests are used to diagnose a scaphoid fracture?

Physical examination: tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox is a strong sign

X-rays: may confirm the fracture, but early or small breaks sometimes aren’t visible

How long does a scaphoid fracture take to heal?

Fractures near the thumb (distal pole) may heal in 6 to 8 weeks with a cast or splint. Fractures near the middle (waist) or closer to the forearm (proximal pole) may take 12 weeks or longer, and often require surgery. Full return to sport or heavy activity can take 3 to 6 months, depending on the case and the rehab plan.

How does a scaphoid fracture happen?

Falling on an outstretched hand
High-impact trauma, such as car or bike accidents
Contact sports like football, rugby, or skateboarding
Poor protective reactions during falls

What treatment can help a scaphoid fracture?

Immobilisation in a cast or thumb splint for 6–12 weeks
Regular imaging to check healing progress
Pain management with ice and anti-inflammatories
Once cleared, rehab exercises to restore wrist mobility and strength

What exercises or stretches can I do for a scaphoid fracture?

Wrist range of motion exercises
Thumb mobility and strengthening drills
Forearm and grip strengthening with therapy putty or light weights
Wrist stabilisation exercises

What products can help with a scaphoid fracture?

Wrist radial/ulnar deviation – passive

Start in a seated position with your affected palm face-down on a table. Use your other hand to move your affected hand to one side then the other, as though you are waving, maintaining contact between your palm on the table throughout.

PROM wrist extensors stretch

Extend your affected arm straight out in front of you with your palm face down, and drop your hand towards the floor. With your other hand, apply a gentle pressure to the back of your wrist and hold. You should feel this stretch down the back of your forearm.

Wrist extension stretching

Start in a seated position with your forearm resting on a table and your affected hand palm down. Keep your fingers relaxed. Use your other hand to lift your affected hand up, stretching the front of your wrist. Hold this position.

Passive wrist extension palm to palm

Sit upright in a chair. Bring your palms together in front of you and close to your chest. Gradually lower your hands, keeping the palms of your hands together. Hold this position in a stretch

Isometric finger intrinsic plus (lumbricals)

Sit upright in a chair. With your knuckles bent and middle and end joints of your fingers straight, try to grip the edge of the table. Use your fingers and thumb to squeeze the edge of table without bending the middle and end joints of your fingers.