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Is Your Wrist Pain a Scaphoid Fracture?
Published: Aug 04, 2024
Scaphoid fractures are common wrist injuries, often resulting from falls onto an outstretched hand. These fractures can be tricky to diagnose, making it essential to understand the signs and symptoms.
Understanding Scaphoid Fractures
The scaphoid is a small bone in the wrist, and its fractures are the most common among carpal bones. These injuries typically occur from a fall onto an outstretched hand, especially if the wrist is bent backward. Diagnosing a scaphoid fracture is crucial as they can lead to complications if left untreated.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Common symptoms include pain on the thumb side of the wrist and difficulty gripping objects. Swelling may be present but isn't always noticeable. If you notice tenderness in the 'anatomic snuffbox'—the hollow at the base of your thumb—it's a red flag for a possible scaphoid fracture.
Why Diagnosis Can Be Tricky
Many scaphoid fractures don't show up immediately on X-rays, making early diagnosis challenging. This often requires further imaging like MRIs or CT scans to confirm. Missing these fractures can lead to poor healing and long-term issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's typically caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand.
Pain is usually on the thumb side of the wrist.
Through physical exams and imaging like X-rays and MRIs.
Not always; proper treatment is necessary to prevent complications.
Key Takeaways
Recognizing and treating a scaphoid fracture early can prevent long-term wrist issues.
References
- Eiff MP, Hatch RL, Calbach WL. Carpal fractures. Fracture Management for Primary Care, 2nd ed, Saunders, Philadelphia 2003.
- Alshryda S, Shah A, Odak S, et al. Acute fractures of the scaphoid bone: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Surgeon 2012; 10:218.
- Duckworth AD, Jenkins PJ, Aitken SA, et al. Scaphoid fracture epidemiology. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2012; 72:E41.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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