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The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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Scaphoid Fractures (Wrist Fracture)

Scaphoid fractures are breaks in a small boat-shaped bone in the wrist near the base of the thumb, commonly caused by falling onto an outstretched hand - they're tricky because they often don't show on initial X-rays and have poor blood supply making them slow to heal, with treatment ranging from cast immobilization for 8-12 weeks to surgical screw fixation for displaced fractures or non-healing cases.

πŸ“…Last reviewed: January 2026πŸ₯Bones & Joints

πŸ“–What is Scaphoid Fractures (Wrist Fracture)?

Scaphoid fractures are breaks in a small boat-shaped bone in the wrist near the base of the thumb, commonly caused by falling onto an outstretched hand - they're tricky because they often don't show on initial X-rays and have poor blood supply making them slow to heal, with treatment ranging from cast immobilization for 8-12 weeks to surgical screw fixation for displaced fractures or non-healing cases.

πŸ”¬What Causes It?

  • Falling onto outstretched hand (FOOSH injury) - most common mechanism
  • Direct blow to wrist during contact sports (rugby, football, martial arts)
  • Motor vehicle accident or bicycle fall
  • Snowboarding, skateboarding, or rollerblading falls

⚠️Risk Factors

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You may be at higher risk if:

  • Contact sports participation (rugby, football, hockey)
  • Activities with fall risk (snowboarding, skateboarding, cycling)
  • Age 20-30 years (peak incidence in young active adults)
  • Male gender (2-3 times more common in men than women)

πŸ›‘οΈPrevention

  • βœ“Wear wrist guards for high-risk activities (snowboarding, skateboarding, rollerblading)
  • βœ“Learn proper falling techniques in sports (tuck and roll rather than bracing with outstretched arm)
  • βœ“Maintain wrist strength and flexibility with exercises
  • βœ“Use appropriate protective equipment in contact sports