Scaphoid Fracture
On this page
- What has happened?
- What should I expect?
- What should I do?
- What should I not do?
- Will I be followed up?
- What if I have concerns/questions?
What has happened?
- You may have broken a small bone in the palm of your hand
- These types of breaks are often hard to see on x-ray initially and are placed into a cast until you can be seen in the orthopaedic clinic
What should I expect?
- Your hand may be swollen and sore, and you may notice some bruising develop on your fingers - this is normal
- You will be put into a cast in the Emergency Department (ED) - this will stay on until you are seen by the orthopaedic team
- You will likely be in a cast for 8 weeks, occasionally longer
- If your injury was not treated with an operation, you will likely be able to return to sport and heavy physical labour after 12 weeks
What should I do?
- You may require simple pain relief (e.g. paracetamol and ibuprofen)
- Elevating the hand may also help with swelling and pain - you can do this by placing your hand on 1-2 pillows while sitting or sleeping
- Keep your cast dry by covering it with a plastic bag and securing it with tape before showering - a wet cast will get soggy and fall apart
- While in the cast, keep moving your fingers by bending and straightening them
What should I not do?
- Do not use your injured hand for lifting heavy objects
- Try to reduce or stop smoking as this may delay bone healing
Will I be followed up?
- Yes, a follow-up appointment in the Orthopaedic Clinic will be requested when you leave the Emergency Department (ED) and you will be contacted about a date and time
What if I have concerns/questions?
- If your injury is not settling or you have other concerns, you should see your GP first - take your ACC form/number with you
- Please seek medical attention if you experience the following:
- Increasing pain in the hand
- Numbness or tingling in the hand
- Your fingers go cold or turn blue white, in comparison to the other hand
- You are unable to move your fingers