Scaphoid Fracture
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Basics
Description
- The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone
- This bone is the stabilizer between the distal and proximal carpal rows
- Injury may result in arthritis, avascular necrosis, or malunion
- Classified as:
- Proximal third (25%)
- Middle third (the waist, 65–70%)
- Distal third (the tuberosity, 5–10%)
- Tubercle fractures
- Fractures are missed on initial radiographs 10–15% of the time, and delayed diagnosis greatly increases risk of complications
- The blood supply to the scaphoid enters distally
- The more proximal the fracture, the higher the likelihood for avascular necrosis; 30% in proximal third fractures
- As the wrist is forcibly hyperextended, the volar aspect of the scaphoid fails in tension and the dorsal aspect fails in compression resulting in a fracture
Etiology
Generally results from a fall on an outstretched (dorsiflexed) hand (FOOSH injury)
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Basics
Description
- The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone
- This bone is the stabilizer between the distal and proximal carpal rows
- Injury may result in arthritis, avascular necrosis, or malunion
- Classified as:
- Proximal third (25%)
- Middle third (the waist, 65–70%)
- Distal third (the tuberosity, 5–10%)
- Tubercle fractures
- Fractures are missed on initial radiographs 10–15% of the time, and delayed diagnosis greatly increases risk of complications
- The blood supply to the scaphoid enters distally
- The more proximal the fracture, the higher the likelihood for avascular necrosis; 30% in proximal third fractures
- As the wrist is forcibly hyperextended, the volar aspect of the scaphoid fails in tension and the dorsal aspect fails in compression resulting in a fracture
Etiology
Generally results from a fall on an outstretched (dorsiflexed) hand (FOOSH injury)
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