In plain language
A break in the wrist scaphoid, often after a fall onto an outstretched hand.
Clinical Significance & Management
Less pain does not confirm union. Parts of this bone have limited blood supply. Resume wrist loading gradually only after clinical and imaging review confirms adequate healing and your clinician clears it.
Symptoms & Clinical Presentation
Thumb-sided wrist pain and snuffbox tenderness
Etiology & Injury Mechanisms
- Fall onto the hand or direct trauma
Diagnostics & Imaging Guide
Examination and X-rays; further imaging for occult injury
Treatment Options
Immobilization or surgery according to location and displacement
Rehabilitation Milestones & Timeline
Rehabilitation depends on the diagnosis, procedure and associated injuries. Progression requires assessment of healing, symptoms and function; elapsed time or a single test cannot determine readiness for sport.
Progressive rehabilitation
Restore strength and weight-bearing after healing review
Evidence-Based Clarifications
Early normal X-rays do not exclude fracture.
Sources & References
Educational clinical definitions synthesized from AAOS, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and HSS. Individual diagnosis and surgery require professional medical evaluation.
Publication date
Content updated