UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Orthopedics

Title: Scaphoid Fracture

Keywords: scaphoid, fracture (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/13/2008 by Michael Bond, MD (Updated: 11/9/2024)
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SCAPHOID FRACTURE:

  • One of the most frequently missed fractures in the ED
  • Most common carpal fracture.
  • 10-20% fractures are “occult”
  • Significant long-term complications:
    • Non-union
    • Avascular necrosis
  • Complications more common due to the fact the blood supply comes form from the distal end of the bone.
  • The more distal the fracture, the greater risk of complications
  • MR remains the best test for occult fx.