Just another iHealthSpot WP02 site

Our office is closed indefinitely due to massive flood damage. Please check back at a later time for more information. 

Lisa R. Reznick MD, PA

 Call Today: (972) 395-9000
 Request an Appointment

MENUMENU
  • Home
  • Meet Dr. Reznick
  • Specialties
    • Hand & Wrist – Surgical
    • Elbow – Surgical
    • General Orthopedics
  • On-Site Services
  • Patient Resources
  • Contact & Location
  • Watch Video
  • Read Article

Scaphoid Fracture - Broken Wrist

Click the white PLAY button to start video.

 

A scaphoid fracture most commonly results from a fall on an outstretched hand.  The scaphoid is a small bone located on the thumb side of your wrist.  It is the most commonly broken bone in the wrist.  Because symptoms can be minimal, scaphoid fractures are frequently mistaken as sprained wrists.  Scaphoid fractures require casting or surgery.

Read more about Scaphoid Fracture - Broken Wrist

  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Surgery
  • Recovery
  • Prevention
  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Surgery
  • Recovery
  • Prevention

Introduction

A scaphoid fracture most commonly results from a fall on an outstretched hand.  The scaphoid is a small bone located on the thumb side of your wrist.  It is the most commonly broken bone in the wrist.  Because symptoms can be minimal, scaphoid fractures are frequently mistaken as sprained wrists.  Scaphoid fractures require casting or surgery.
Back to top

Anatomy

The scaphoid is a small bone located on the thumb side of your wrist.  The scaphoid is unique in that it spans the two rows of bones that make up your wrist.  Because of its position, it is the most commonly broken bone in the wrist.
 
Unfortunately, the blood supply to the scaphoid is somewhat unusual, and this can lead to problems in fracture healing.
Back to top

Causes

A scaphoid fracture most frequently results from a fall on an outstretched hand.  Motor vehicle crashes and sports injuries can also cause scaphoid fractures.  The outcome of scaphoid fractures is largely dependent on the location of the break in the bone and the amount the bone fragments have displaced or shifted.  Fractures near the end of the bone toward the hand have the greatest blood supply and heal the best. Fractures located in the middle of the scaphoid (the waist) or closer to the forearm (the proximal pole) sometimes have trouble healing because the blood supply to these areas is poor.
Back to top

Symptoms

A scaphoid fracture causes tenderness directly over the bone.  This is an area known as "the anatomic snuffbox."  Your pain may increase when you move your thumb or grip things.  Your initial pain may decrease over days or weeks.  Scaphoid fractures usually do not cause bruising or significant swelling, which is the reason they are often mistaken for a sprained wrist.
Back to top

Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose a scaphoid fracture by examining your wrist and taking X-rays.  Sometimes scaphoid fractures do not show up on initial X-rays.  The X-rays may be repeated later, or computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be used because they show more detail.  CT scans are frequently performed, as the degree of fracture displacement is often difficult to determine from plain X-rays.
Back to top

Treatment

Treatment depends on the location, fracture type, and fracture location in the bone.  Fractures located near the thumb (distal pole) heal well with casting.  Fractures in areas with a poor blood supply and displaced fractures generally require surgery.
Back to top

Surgery

Surgery for scaphoid fractures can be done through a tiny incision when the bone fragments do not need to be reduced (manipulated).  Otherwise, a relatively small incision at the base of the thumb is needed.  The surgical approach is determined by the fracture location in the bone.  Headless screws, of which there are several types, are used to hold the scaphoid bone in position while it heals.  A cast or splint is worn for some time following surgery.
Back to top

Recovery

It can take a scaphoid fracture a few months to heal.  You will participate in hand therapy rehabilitation when your cast is removed.  You should avoid gripping and heavy lifting, as well as contact sports, until cleared to do so by your doctor.  
 
Some scaphoid fractures have a difficult time healing.  There can be delayed healing, or sometimes the bone will not heal, leading to a nonunion.  In these cases, follow up surgery may be necessary to insert bone grafts.  The bone grafts promote healing because they either bring a blood supply to the area, or growth factors that enhance healing. 
Back to top

Prevention

You can prevent scaphoid fractures with fall prevention techniques.  If you participate in sports, you should wear protective equipment such as wrist guards made for skateboarding, inline skating, and snow boarding.
 
Treating underlying medical conditions can help prevent falls.  A general physical examination can identify medical conditions that cause balance disorders or dizziness.  An early diagnosis may allow for optimal treatment.
 
It can be helpful to have an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, or a family member help you examine your home and remove obstacles that may cause you to trip.  It can be helpful to install railings on steps or in your shower.  Low-heeled sturdy shoes may help you maintain proper foot positioning.  A cane or walker may aid your balance while you stand or walk. 
Back to top

Copyright ©  - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

Footer

Patient Education

Our patient education library features more than 200 award-winning orthopedic articles with images, videos, and tons of helpful information.

Learn More

Dr. Reznick did major surgery on my right hand (carpal tunnel and 3 trigger fingers). Prior to the surgery, I could not hold a pen or write my name legibly. I was in constant pain. After the surgery, while the stitches were still in and the brace still in place, I had more flexibility in my fingers than I had before the surgery. I am six weeks out from the surgery and I continue to progress. I have more functionality and strength in my hand than I have had in the last year. I can't even see the scars on my hand. Dr. Reznick not only did a spectacular job of restoring the use of my hand, but she is a very likable person. Her staff is friendly and professional. I cannot say enough good things about this experience!

Nancy L.

via md.com

Seeing Dr. Reznick and being treated by her is like going to heaven with millions of angels. She can not only treat your hand, she treats the soul. She is the best!!!

Les D.

via healthgrades.com

Amazing visit. I can't remember the last time I spent quality time with a doctor. She explained everything to me on why I was having trigger finger issues. I have been dealing with this for some time. She nailed it on the first visit ‘cause she talks to you and listens! If you need a hand doctor you will be happy she is the one.

Anonymous

via healthgrades.com

Dr. Reznick is one of the most professional, sensitive and caring physicians I have visited. She is a teacher--patient and informative, and she made sure I understood just exactly what was necessary for my particular problems. She took care of both my left and right carpal tunnel surgeries, and I couldn't have asked for a better recovery. Everything went just as planned. She is my ‘go to’ hand doctor!

Anonymous

healthgrades.com

When I was having problems with my wrist, she guided me through every step, and always made sure I was comfortable with what she was doing. Very straightforward and trustworthy. I never doubted what she was doing and she always wants to try every technique before doing surgery to try to make you better.

Shannon C.

healthgrades.com

I recently rode 900 miles on a vibrating Harley-Davidson and did not have a single tingle in either of my hands. You do great work. Thanks for helping me.

Ed G.

Just wanted to let you know again how much I appreciated your care, expertise and skill in conducting the surgery on my hand. A job well done. Thank you.

Randall A.

My surgery went very well. My banjo and I thank you.

Kevin M.

Dr. Lisa Reznick has performed carpal tunnel surgery on both hands and has removed my basal joint from my right hand. All of my surgeries have been successful, and I now have complete use of both hands and my right thumb, which I credit to a great surgeon, good therapy, and a genuine concern for patients.

Robert

My hand is in perfect working order because of your expertise. I appreciate your genuine concern for my healing. Through the myriad of maladies my husband experienced, I became acquainted with many doctors. None even approached your level of patient care.

Trudy R.

Dr. Reznick performed surgery on my hand for ‘trigger finger’ and did a wonderful job. I’ll definitely user her again if the need ever presents itself again.

Don L.

Dr. Reznick is very to the point and no nonsense. She tells you what options there are in your treatment and advises you accordingly. I had hand surgery four years ago and it was a complete success. I actually went back to work one week early. I have recommended Dr. Reznick to many friends and associates. Frankly, I won’t go to anyone else when it comes to muscles or bones. I have complete faith in her.

J. Schully

via vitals.com
Testimonials

Dr. Reznick did major surgery on my right hand (carpal tunnel and 3 trigger fingers). Prior to the surgery, I could not hold a pen or write my name legibly. I was in constant pain. [Now] I have more functionality and strength in my hand than I have had in the last year. I can't even see the scars on my hand. Dr. Reznick not only did a spectacular job of restoring the use of my hand, but she is a very likable person. Her staff is friendly and professional. I cannot say enough good things about this experience!

~ Nancy L. via md.com

Lisa R. Reznick MD, PA

Board Certified Orthopedic and Hand Surgeon

  • Home
  • Meet Dr. Reznick
  • Specialties
  • On-Site Services
  • Patient Resources
  • Contact & Location
  • Privacy Policy
  • Non-Discrimination Policy
4100 Fairway Court, Suite 120
Carrollton, TX 75010
Phone: (972) 395-9000
Fax: (972) 395-9002
  • Sitemap

Copyright © Lisa R. Reznick.
All rights reserved.

iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com

In Carrollton, TX, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lisa Reznick offers conservative treatment options for all types of general orthopedic issues, while specializing in surgeries of the hand, wrist, and elbow.