Scaphoid Fractures are breaks in one of the small bones of the wrist located on the thumb side of the wrist where it bends.

The most common kind of wrist breaks, Scaphoid Fractures can result from falling on an outstretched hand during skiing, snowboarding, skating, football, cricket or basketball, or from car accidents.

Although sometimes difficult to diagnose due to symptoms similar to a wrist sprain, Scaphoid Fractures should be treated promptly with immobilization through splinting or casting in mild cases or surgery in chronic and severe cases. Because of their avascularity, proximal pole fractures are often considered candidates for arthroscopic screw fixation. Arthroscopically assisted screw fixation may reduce total immobilization time and non-union rates and lead to a shorter convalescence, and is there for an attractive alternative for athletes.

Adequate healing is especially important in the scaphoid since its blood supply is especially weak, which can lead to non-healing bone and arthritis. Associated ligament injuries are identified and treated at the same time. In specific instances microvascular bone grafts from the wrist or knee are used to aid in delayed healing.