Scaphoid Fractures are prone to non-union because of retrograde blood supply, limited cancellous bone, limited soft tissue attachments, lack or periosteum, tension at the scaphoid waist, intra-articular nature, and often have a delayed diagnosis treatment involves achieving mechanical stability with perfused bone.

Treatment for a Scaphoid Fracture can range from casting to surgery, depending on the fracture's severity and location on the bone. Because portions of the scaphoid have a poor blood supply—and a fracture can further disrupt the flow of blood to the bone—complications with the healing process are common.

The scaphoid bone is one of the carpal bones on the thumb side of the wrist, just above the radius. The bone is important for both motion and stability in the wrist joint. The word "scaphoid" comes from the Greek term for "boat." The scaphoid bone resembles a boat with its relatively long, curved shape.

Scaphoid Fractures are classified according to the severity of displacement--or how far the pieces of bone have moved out of their normal position:

Non-displaced fracture. In this type of fracture, the bone fragments line up correctly.

Displaced fracture. In this type of fracture, the bone fragments have moved out of their normal position. There may be gaps between the pieces of bone or fragments may overlap each other.

Symptoms

Scaphoid Fractures usually cause pain and swelling in the anatomic snuffbox and on the thumb side of the wrist. The pain may be severe when you move your thumb or wrist, or when you try to pinch or grasp something.

Unless your wrist is deformed, it might not be obvious that your scaphoid bone is broken. With some Scaphoid Fractures, the pain is not severe and may be mistaken for a wrist sprain.