A wrist fracture is a break in one or more of the bones in the wrist. This fact sheet will focus on a break in the scaphoid bone.
This injury is caused by trauma from:
Things that may raise the risk of this fracture are:
Symptoms may be:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will be asked how the injury happened. An exam will be done that focuses on your wrist.
Images may be taken. This can be done with:
It can take up to 12 weeks to heal. The goals of treatment are to manage pain and support the bone as it heals. Options may be:
Some fractures cause pieces of bone to come apart. These pieces will need to be put back into place. This may be done:
Most fractures are due to accidents. Wear wrist guards for sports that may involve falls or contact, such as rollerblading and football.
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
Dias J, Kantharuban S. Treatment of Scaphoid Fractures: European Approaches. Hand Clin. 2017 Aug;33(3):501-509.
Scaphoid fracture. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/scaphoid-fracture. Updated December 3, 2018. Accessed September 30, 2019.
Scaphoid fracture of the wrist. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/scaphoid-fracture-of-the-wrist. Updated March 2016. Accessed September 30, 2019.
Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.