Could a painful wrist after a fall still have a scaphoid fracture when the X-ray is normal?

Doctor’s answer

Yes. An early scaphoid fracture may not appear on an initial X-ray and often causes tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox near the base of the thumb. With typical tenderness or persistent pain, the wrist should be immobilised and reassessed with repeat X-rays, MRI, or CT to reduce the risk of non-union and avascular necrosis.

This content is for education. Diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation require an individual assessment by a sports medicine specialist.