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?
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?
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.
