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Fijación del escafoides

Percutaneous and open compression-screw fixation of scaphoid fractures.

Updated Sep 2026
Una ilustración dibujada a mano de una persona sin rostro que cae hacia adelante sobre una mano extendida y plana, con la palma hacia abajo y la muñeca doblada hacia atrás.
El hueso escafoides, situado en la base del pulgar, es el hueso del carpo que se fractura con mayor frecuencia. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

Esta página se tradujo automáticamente y todavía no la ha revisado un médico. La versión en inglés es la versión oficial.

¿Por qué se ha recomendado esta operación?

El Dr. Kieran Hirpara, cirujano de extremidad superior en el Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, adapta el tratamiento a su lesión específica. El escafoides es un hueso pequeño situado cerca de la base del pulgar, en el lado del pulgar de la muñeca. La fijación del escafoides consiste en mantener el hueso fracturado inmóvil mediante un pequeño tornillo para que pueda cicatrizar. Por lo general, la recomendamos cuando la fractura se ha desplazado, o cuando el hueso cicatriza lentamente o no cicatriza en absoluto.

En general, los pacientes son derivados a nuestra clínica por su médico de cabecera; si un fisioterapeuta le ha sugerido que nos visite, igualmente necesitará una derivación de su médico de cabecera para poder acceder al reembolso de Medicare. En la consulta, tomamos su historia clínica, examinamos su muñeca y solicitamos estudios de imagen si son necesarios. En las fracturas que no se han desplazado, a menudo se intenta primero el uso de un yeso. En algunas lesiones, se recomienda la cirugía de inmediato; también se considera cuando el yeso no ha logrado una cicatrización adecuada. El objetivo es una muñeca que sane bien, se mueva sin problemas y soporte cargas sin dolor.

Antes de la operación

En los días previos a la cirugía, confirmamos el plan con usted y determinamos qué estudios de imagen son necesarios. La mayoría de los pacientes ya se han realizado radiografías; sin embargo, algunos necesitarán una resonancia magnética o una ecografía para visualizar claramente la fractura antes de la intervención. Se le proporcionarán instrucciones sobre el ayuno: no debe ingerir alimentos durante siete horas antes de la hora de su llegada. Solicitamos este período de siete horas en lugar de uno más corto para poder adelantar su turno si el programa quirúrgico lo permite. Es posible que deba suspender algunos medicamentos; le indicaremos cuáles y cuándo. Traiga consigo una lista de todos los fármacos que toma. Organice que alguien lo lleve a casa, ya que no podrá conducir por sí mismo. Use ropa holgada y cómoda. Si padece otras enfermedades, es posible que necesite análisis de sangre o una evaluación con el anestesista.

El día de la intervención

Acude a la unidad de admisiones quirúrgicas del hospital, donde se le registrará y preparará para el quirófano. Conocerá al anestesista, quien revisará su estado de salud y responderá a cualquier pregunta que tenga. Esta operación se realiza bajo anestesia general; usted permanecerá completamente dormido durante todo el procedimiento. En algunos pacientes también se puede aplicar un bloqueo nervioso regional para aliviar el dolor postoperatorio; el anestesista decide al respecto ese mismo día según sus circunstancias individuales. Posteriormente, se le llevará al quirófano, donde se llevará a cabo la operación.

Despertará en la sala de recuperación, donde las enfermeras le supervisarán mientras la anestesia va desapareciendo. Es posible que su muñeca esté sujeta y que sienta cierta molestia a medida que la insensibilidad disminuye. Una vez que su estado sea estable, será trasladado a una sala de hospitalización o podrá volver a casa ese mismo día, según el tipo de intervención y cómo evolucione su recuperación. Dado que ha recibido anestesia general, deberá contar con transporte organizado para volver a casa y descansar el resto del día.

¿En qué consiste la operación?

Existen dos formas de acceder al hueso fracturado; elegimos la que mejor se adapte a su tipo de fractura. En el caso de una fractura que no se ha desplazado, podemos utilizar un abordaje percutáneo, es decir, introducir el tornillo a través de la piel sin realizar una incisión formal. Cuando es necesario visualizar y volver a alinear los fragmentos óseos, o cuando se debe añadir un injerto óseo, realizamos una única incisión sobre la muñeca y trabajamos a través de ella.

Una vez que podemos ver el hueso, fijamos la fractura mediante un tornillo que se introduce a lo largo del escafoides. Este tornillo comprime los fragmentos fracturados para impedir que se muevan mientras cicatrizan. Si la fractura es antigua, no ha sanado o ha provocado pérdida de tejido óseo, añadimos un injerto óseo para rellenar el espacio y favorecer la curación. Cuando el flujo sanguíneo hacia el fragmento fracturado es escaso, podemos emplear un injerto óseo vascularizado: se trata de un pequeño trozo de hueso que se traslada conservando sus propios vasos sanguíneos, de modo que aporta un nuevo aporte de sangre. La elección entre estas opciones se basa en los resultados de sus estudios de imagen.

Finalmente, cerramos la herida con puntos de sutura. Le colocaremos un vendaje sobre la muñeca y le pediremos que lo mantenga en su lugar durante unos 10 días.

Después de la operación

La mayoría de los pacientes permanecen una noche en el hospital tras esta operación, aunque algunos pueden volver a casa el mismo día. Despertará en la sala de recuperación, donde las enfermeras lo vigilarán mientras el efecto de la anestesia desaparece. Su muñeca quedará sujeta mediante una férula o escayola, y habrá un vendaje sobre la herida. Por lo general, el dolor se controla con medidas sencillas; nos aseguraremos de que se sienta cómodo antes de darle el alta. Podrá moverse en cuanto se sienta capaz, aunque debe hacerlo con cuidado durante el primer día o dos. Por favor, organice que alguien lo acompañe durante las primeras 24 horas después de llegar a casa. Dejamos el vendaje puesto durante unos 10 días; no lo retire antes de ese plazo a menos que se lo indiquemos. Lo cambiaremos o lo quitaremos cuando venga a la consulta.

Recuperación

Durante los primeros días, su muñeca estará adolorida y podría presentar hinchazón. El alivio del dolor mediante medicamentos sencillos y el descanso suelen resolver esto. Mantener la mano elevada mientras está sentado o acostado ayuda a reducir la hinchazón. Con el paso de los días, la molestia disminuye progresivamente.

Su muñeca quedará inmovilizada mediante una férula o yeso, por lo que al principio necesitará ayuda para realizar ciertas tareas diarias. Vestirse, cocinar y llevar cosas con una sola mano requieren un poco de planificación. Puede moverse por la casa en cuanto se sienta capaz, aunque al principio debe hacerlo con cuidado durante el primer día o dos. Una vez que se retire el vendaje en su consulta de seguimiento, la terapeuta de mano Ruby Doolan, de Extend Rehabilitation, le guiará en los ejercicios y le adaptará cualquier férula que necesite. La terapia de mano contribuye a que su muñeca recupere el movimiento y la fuerza de agarre a medida que el hueso sana.

No podrá conducir mientras lleve el yeso. Una vez que se retire el yeso y su cirujano le dé el visto bueno, podrá consultar más información en nuestra página sobre cómo conducir tras una cirugía de miembro superior. Podrá volver al trabajo y a otras actividades según lo permita su muñeca, aumentando gradualmente la actividad. Las tareas más pesadas y los deportes podrán retomarse una vez que el hueso haya sanado y su agarre sea fuerte sin dolor.

Cada persona sana a su propio ritmo; su cronograma de recuperación podría diferir de lo que describimos aquí. Su cirujano y su terapeuta le guiarán en cada consulta de seguimiento, indicándole cuándo es seguro aumentar sus actividades.

Qué puede salir mal

La mayoría de los pacientes evolucionan bien, pero en ocasiones pueden surgir problemas. Su cirujano y el equipo lo supervisarán de cerca para detectar cualquier anomalía a tiempo.

Lo que más vigilamos es que el hueso no se una, o que la unión sea mucho más lenta de lo esperado. Es posible que note un dolor profundo y sordo en la muñeca que no mejora como suele ocurrir tras una fractura en proceso de curación, o sensibilidad en la misma zona, cerca de la base del pulgar. Algunas personas perciben una sensación de roce al mover la muñeca o al ejercer presión con la mano. Si el hueso no se ha unido tras un tiempo razonable, lo veremos en sus estudios de imagen y hablaremos con usted sobre los siguientes pasos a seguir. Una fractura que no se trata durante cuatro semanas o más es más difícil de curar; las fracturas cercanas al extremo del hueso más próximo al antebrazo son las más complicadas de todas. Por eso le pedimos que acuda a consulta de inmediato si se lesiona la muñeca, y por qué vigilamos de cerca el progreso de la curación.

En caso de cirugía para una fractura que no ha sanado, podríamos utilizar un injerto con su propio suministro sanguíneo para aportar sangre fresca a la zona. Las complicaciones derivadas de este tipo de injerto son poco frecuentes. La principal que conviene conocer es la aparición de entumecimiento o hormigueo en la parte dorsal de la muñeca, en el lado del pulgar; en la mayoría de los casos es temporal. Si nota esto, indíquelo en su próxima revisión.

Si el hueso no puede salvarse, en algunos casos se procede a extraer los fragmentos fracturados y unir los huesos restantes de la muñeca. Esto alivia el dolor en muchas personas, y el resultado se mantiene durante muchos años sin deteriorarse.

Si nota que el dolor empeora en lugar de mejorar, si aparece nueva hinchazón o si la muñeca no soporta carga alguna, comuníquese con nuestra clínica en lugar de esperar a su próxima cita. En la tabla de complicaciones de esta página se detallan las tasas típicas, por si desea conocer los datos específicos.

¿Cuándo deben llamarnos?

Llámenos si el dolor empeora en lugar de mejorar, o si la hinchazón nueva no desaparece. Llámenos si observan enrojecimiento, calor o secreción alrededor de la herida, o si tienen fiebre. Llámenos si los dedos o el pulgar se vuelven entumecidos, hormigueantes o pálidos, o si no pueden moverlos. Acudan a urgencias si experimentan dolor intenso y repentino, hinchazón o dolor en la pantorrilla, o dificultad para respirar. Si el yeso les parece demasiado apretado, o si el dolor de la muñeca no mejora como cabría esperar en una fractura en proceso de curación, comuníquense con nuestra clínica en lugar de esperar a su próxima cita.

¿Dónde leer más sobre esta afección?

Esta página trata sobre la operación en sí. La afección que se trata con ella, incluyendo lo que demuestran las evidencias sobre cuándo la cirugía es útil y cuándo no, se explica con mayor detalle en la página Fractura del escafoides.


Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

  • Fractures of the carpus other than the scaphoid are frequently missed on initial presentation [1].
  • Diagnosis of carpal fractures other than the scaphoid requires a high index of suspicion [1].
  • Diagnosis of carpal fractures other than the scaphoid requires tailored imaging [1].
  • The specific indications for percutaneous screw fixation of nondisplaced scaphoid fractures must be determined in larger randomized, prospective studies [2].
  • The risks and benefits of percutaneous screw fixation of nondisplaced scaphoid fractures must be determined in larger randomized, prospective studies [2].
  • A technique described for avoiding overlong screws is applicable to any situation where the exact screw length is of critical importance [3].
  • The complex scaphoid anatomy with its waist might alter the strategy of fracture fixation [4].
  • The complex scaphoid anatomy with its waist might alter the strategy of fracture education and research [4].
  • In a series of 24 patients with acute scaphoid fractures undergoing arthroscopically assisted reduction and percutaneous fixation, 15 presented with associated ligamentous and/or chondral/osteochondral injuries [5].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

Bony Anatomy

  • The scaphoid is a small, irregular S-shaped tubular bone located in the proximal carpal row on the radial aspect of the wrist [22].
  • The scaphoid lies entirely within the wrist joint at a 45-degree plane to the longitudinal and horizontal axis of the wrist [22].
  • The scaphoid articulates with the trapezium and trapezoid on its distal surface, the radius on its proximal/lateral surface, and the capitate and lunate on its medial surface [22].
  • The proximal articular surface of the scaphoid is convex and articulates with the radius [22].
  • The capitate head articulates with a sulcus on the radial articular surface of the scaphoid, providing a socket-like fit [22].
  • The distal pole of the scaphoid sits ulnarly angulated relative to the proximal pole due to gentle pronation and flexion [22].
  • The distal articular surface of the scaphoid contains two distinct facets for the trapezium and trapezoid, forming the STT joint [22].
  • Over 80% of the scaphoid surface is covered with articular cartilage [22].
  • The scaphoid is ridged across its nonarticular dorsoradial surface, which serves as the insertion point for the dorsal component of the scapholunate and intercarpal ligaments [22].
  • The complex anatomy of the scaphoid waist may alter the strategy of fracture fixation, education, and research [4].

Vascular Supply

  • The blood supply of the scaphoid arises from two vascular pedicles originating from the scaphoid branches of the radial artery [22].
  • The dorsal branch enters via foramina along the spiral groove and dorsal ridge, supplying 70% to 80% of the scaphoid proximally, including the proximal pole [22].
  • The volar branch enters via the scaphoid tubercle and supplies the remaining 20% to 30% of the distal scaphoid [22].
  • The waist of the scaphoid has minimal or no perforating vasculature [22].
  • No vessels perforate the proximal dorsal cartilaginous area or through the scapholunate ligament [22].
  • Only 67% of scaphoid bones have arterial foramina throughout their length, including the distal, middle, and proximal thirds [27].
  • 13% of scaphoid bones have blood supply predominantly in the distal third [27].
  • 20% of scaphoid bones have most arterial foramina in the waist area with no more than a single foramen near the proximal third [27].
  • One third of scaphoid fractures occurring in the proximal third may be without adequate blood supply [27].
  • The prevalence of osteonecrosis can be 35% in fractures at the proximal pole level [27].

Ligaments and Kinematics

  • The radioscapocapitate ligament does not attach to the bone itself but crosses the waist, acting as a sling that allows rotation [22].
  • The RSC ligament acts as a fulcrum over which the scaphoid waist fractures [14].
  • There are no tendon attachments to the scaphoid [22].
  • The scaphoid acts as a midcarpal joint "bridge" linking and synchronizing the motions of the proximal and distal carpal rows as part of the key intercalated segment [22].
  • Motion of the scaphoid includes rotation proximally and gliding distally, while providing stability to the midcarpal joint [22].
  • The normal intrascaphoid angle is 24 degrees [33].

Pathophysiology of Injury

  • Scaphoid fractures are caused by a fall on the outstretched palm, resulting in severe hyperextension and slight radial deviation of the wrist [27].
  • Hyperextension past 95 degrees is the usual position of injury for scaphoid fractures [33].
  • With the hyperextension mechanism, a fracture usually begins at the volar waist with tensile failure, propagating to the dorsal surface with compression loading until failure occurs [33].
  • The scaphoid usually fractures on tension at the radial-palmar side [27].
  • During injury, the proximal pole locks in the scaphoid fossa of the radius while the distal pole moves excessively dorsal [27].
  • 60% to 80% of scaphoid fractures occur at the scaphoid waist or midportion [27].
  • Snuffbox tenderness applies predominantly to waist fractures, which represent 70% of scaphoid fractures [14].
  • Proximal pole fractures represent 20% of scaphoid fractures [14].
  • Distal pole fractures represent 10% of scaphoid fractures [14].
  • 17% of patients with scaphoid fractures have other fractures of the carpus and forearm, including transscaphoid perilunar dislocations, trapezium fractures, Bennett fractures, radial head fractures, lunate dislocations, and distal radius fractures [27].
  • Proximal scaphoid fractures result from dorsal subluxation during forced hyperextension [33].
  • Carpal dislocations and scapholunate ligament tears are reproduced with wrist extension and ulnar deviation combined with intercarpal supination [33].
  • 15 of 24 patients with acute scaphoid fractures presented with associated ligamentous and/or chondral/osteochondral injuries [5].

Healing Potential and Nonunion

  • The reduced capacity for periosteal healing due to extensive articular cartilage coverage increases the tendency for delayed union and nonunion [22].
  • Proximal fractures are associated with at least temporary disruption of the interosseous blood supply to the proximal pole [22].
  • Fractures in the proximal pole take longer to heal and usually have higher rates of nonunion [27].
  • Nonunion occurs in 10% to 15% of all scaphoid fractures [33].
  • The risk of nonunion increases with delay of treatment for more than 4 weeks [33].
  • The risk of nonunion increases with proximal pole fractures [33].
  • The risk of nonunion increases with fracture displacement greater than 1 mm [33].
  • The risk of nonunion increases with osteonecrosis [33].
  • The risk of nonunion increases with tobacco use [33].
  • The risk of nonunion increases with associated carpal instability, specifically dorsal intercalated segmental instability (DISI) with a scapholunate angle >60 degrees and a capitolunate angle >15 degrees [33].
  • Nonunion rates for nondisplaced waist fractures treated with casting are 5% to 12% [33].
  • Nonunion rates for displaced scaphoid fractures treated nonoperatively reach 50% [33].
  • Untreated displaced waist fractures angulate as the volar bone is reabsorbed, yielding a "humpback" flexion deformity [33].
  • The resultant radial column shortening and extension of the proximal scaphoid pole releases the lunate to rotate into DISI under the influence of the attached triquetrum [33].
  • Untreated scaphoid nonunion predictably progresses to arthritic change termed scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) [33].
  • Arthritic change in SNAC arises at the radial styloid articulation with the distal scaphoid pole (stage I), followed by degeneration of the scaphocapitate joint (stage II), and ultimately the midcarpal joint (stage III) [33].
  • Arthritic changes have been found in 97% of patients assessed at least 5 years after injury, with the degree of change proportionate to the duration of nonunion [33].
  • In a 30-year follow-up review, 10% of patients with scaphoid fractures treated with thumb spica short-arm casts developed nonunion [33].
  • Of those who developed nonunion, 60% demonstrated radiographic evidence of radiocarpal osteoarthritis, while only 2% of the healed group demonstrated degenerative change [33].

Classification

  • Fractures of the carpus other than the scaphoid are frequently missed on initial presentation and require a high index of suspicion with tailored imaging for diagnosis [1].
  • The complex scaphoid anatomy with its waist might alter the strategy of fracture fixation, education and research [4].
  • In a series of 24 patients with acute scaphoid fractures, 15 presented with associated ligamentous and/or chondral/osteochondral injuries [5].

Clinical Presentation

History and Mechanism

  • Patients classically present with wrist pain following a fall onto the outstretched hand, with almost 90% recalling a hyperextension injury [35].
  • The usual mechanism of injury is forced hyperextension of the wrist [15].
  • There is usually a history of trauma, such as falling on an outstretched hand, collision of the wrist against a person or heavy obstacle, or possibly a direct blow against an object [14].
  • Patients present with a history of hyperextension to the wrist, often following a fall, sports, or punch injury [35].
  • It is important to determine a history of previous trauma to the scaphoid and not treat a nonunion as if it is an acute fracture [35].
  • In chronic injuries, athletes may complain of an inability to perform a push-up [39].

Physical Examination Findings

  • The patient usually presents with pain on the radial side of the wrist [14].
  • There may be swelling on the radial side as well [14].
  • There may be limited range of motion and pain when applying extended wrist loading or positioning the wrist in extreme positions of flexion or extension [14].
  • Wrists with acute fractures may have swelling and bruising in the radial aspect of the wrist [14].
  • Wrists with chronic injury may have swelling in the dorsoradial wrist [14].
  • Generally, pain, swelling, ecchymosis, and tenderness around the region of the scaphoid may be present in the acute phase [35].
  • There may be slight fullness in the anatomical snuffbox [15].
  • Precisely localized tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox is an important diagnostic sign [15].
  • "Snuffbox tenderness" has become synonymous with scaphoid fracture, but this applies predominantly to waist fractures, which represent 70% of scaphoid fractures [14].
  • The second most common type of scaphoid fracture is a proximal pole fracture, at 20% [14].
  • The least common is a distal pole fracture, at 10% [14].
  • Fractures tend to occur at the waist partly because the RSC ligament acts as a fulcrum over which the scaphoid waist fractures [14].
  • The full physical examination of the scaphoid bone should include all of its parts: the waist, distal pole, and proximal pole [14].
  • To palpate the anatomic snuffbox for the waist examination, palpate just distal to the radial styloid in the “soft spot” [14].
  • The distal pole should be palpated at the scaphoid tubercle on the palmar aspect of the wrist [14].
  • To palpate the distal pole, place the index finger in the anatomic snuffbox and place the thumb on the palmar aspect just distal to the anatomic snuffbox [14].
  • With radial deviation of the wrist, the prominent bone palpated at the scaphoid tubercle should move palmarly toward the examiner’s thumb [14].
  • The proximal pole is palpated dorsally in line with the second ray just distal to the dorsal radius lip [14].
  • The scapholunate ligament is in line between the second and third rays just distal to the dorsal radius lip and corresponds to the 3-4 wrist arthroscopy portal [14].
  • The proximal pole is just radial to the scapholunate ligament/3-4 portal area [14].
  • Pain on longitudinal compression of the thumb (scaphoid axial compression test) is also a sign of scaphoid fracture [14].
  • Examination must include pressure backwards over the scaphoid tubercle, palpation over the proximal pole, and telescoping of the thumb base [15].
  • If any of the signs of snuffbox tenderness, scaphoid tubercle pressure, proximal pole palpation, or thumb telescoping are positive, the suspicion for a scaphoid fracture should be high [15].
  • Pain and swelling can be subtle in the anatomic snuffbox and often these fractures present late [38].
  • Evaluation for scaphoid fracture includes physical examination, examining for pain in the anatomic snuffbox or over the scaphoid tubercle [38].
  • On physical examination, tenderness over the anatomic snuffbox or pain with resisted pronation prevents the surgeon from ruling out a scaphoid fracture [39].

Diagnostic Performance of Clinical Signs

  • If all three tests of anatomic snuffbox tenderness, scaphoid tubercle tenderness, and scaphoid axial compression test are positive, there is 87% to 100% sensitivity and 74% specificity for scaphoid fracture [14].
  • Anatomical snuffbox tenderness has a sensitivity of 87–100% and a specificity of 3–98% [35].
  • Axial compression of the thumb has a sensitivity of 48–100% and a specificity of 22–97% [35].
  • Scaphoid tubercle tenderness has a sensitivity of 82–100% and a specificity of 17–57% [35].
  • Pain on ulnar deviation has a sensitivity of 67–100% and a specificity of 17–60% [35].
  • Pain on radial deviation has a sensitivity of 67–90% and a specificity of 31–42% [35].
  • Reduced range of movement of the thumb has a sensitivity of 65–66% and a specificity of 38–59% [35].
  • Thumb–index finger pinch has a sensitivity of 75–79% and a specificity of 44–76% [35].
  • No single sign has been found to be adequately sensitive or specific for scaphoid fracture [35].
  • ASB tenderness is oversensitive and has poor specificity [35].
  • In a study of 246 patients with a suspected fracture of the scaphoid, ASB tenderness was found to have a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 40% [35].
  • In the same study of 246 patients, scaphoid tubercle tenderness had a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 57% [35].
  • In a prospective analysis of 73 patients with a suspected scaphoid fracture, the negative predictive value (NPV) of ASB pain on ulnar deviation of the pronated wrist was 100% [35].
  • Patients with a negative test for ASB pain on ulnar deviation of the pronated wrist could be safely discharged at presentation as they did not have a scaphoid fracture [35].
  • The use of one clinical sign in isolation was insufficient for the diagnosis of a fracture [35].
  • A combination of ASB tenderness, scaphoid tubercle tenderness, and ASB pain on longitudinal compression of the thumb generated a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 74% [35].
  • The combination of ASB tenderness, scaphoid tubercle tenderness, and ASB pain on longitudinal compression of the thumb was valid only for the first 24 hours after injury [35].
  • Pain on thumb–index finger pinch and ASB pain on pronation of the forearm were most suggestive of a true scaphoid fracture [35].
  • The best predictors of fracture within 72 hours of injury were the absence of pain on ulnar deviation of the wrist and pain on thumb–index finger pinch [35].
  • Scaphoid tubercle tenderness was most predictive at week 2 [35].
  • A clinical scaphoid score (CSS) uses three clinical tests: tenderness in the ASB with the wrist in ulnar deviation (3 points), tenderness over the scaphoid tubercle (2 points), and pain upon longitudinal compression of the thumb (1 point) [35].
  • Patients with a CSS of 4 or higher require an MRI [35].

Occult Fractures and Initial Assessment

  • Up to 30% to 40% of scaphoid fractures are not identified on initial assessment and investigation with standard four-view radiographs and are thus classified as having a suspected fracture [35].
  • Patients who are subsequently found to have a fracture confirmed on repeated assessment and radiologic imaging, most frequently at 10 to 14 days after injury, are said to have had an occult fracture of the scaphoid [35].
  • In these cases, the treating surgeon must balance employing immobilization and restriction of activities in a predominantly young and active population against the risks of nonunion and arthrosis associated with an undiagnosed and untreated scaphoid fracture [35].
  • Radiographs are often negative at initial presentation approximately 25% of the time [39].
  • Any history of wrist trauma and tenderness or decreased range of motion should increase suspicion [39].

Investigations

Clinical Examination

  • Patients with scaphoid fractures usually present with pain on the radial side of the wrist and a history of trauma such as falling on an outstretched hand [14].
  • Acute scaphoid fractures may present with swelling and bruising in the radial aspect of the wrist, while chronic injuries may present with swelling in the dorsoradial wrist [14].
  • Snuffbox tenderness is predominantly associated with waist fractures, which represent 70% of scaphoid fractures [14].
  • Proximal pole fractures account for 20% of scaphoid fractures, and distal pole fractures account for 10% [14].
  • The physical examination for scaphoid fracture includes palpation of the anatomic snuffbox, the scaphoid tubercle, and the proximal pole [14].
  • Pain on longitudinal compression of the thumb (scaphoid axial compression test) is a sign of scaphoid fracture [14].
  • If anatomic snuffbox tenderness, scaphoid tubercle tenderness, and the scaphoid axial compression test are all positive, the sensitivity for scaphoid fracture is 87% to 100% and the specificity is 74% [14].
  • Slight fullness in the anatomical snuffbox with precisely localized tenderness is an important diagnostic sign for scaphoid fracture [15].
  • The clinical examination for scaphoid fracture must include pressure backwards over the scaphoid tubercle, palpation over the proximal pole, and telescoping of the thumb base [15].
  • Dorsal swelling of the wrist, tenderness in the anatomic snuffbox, and painful dorsiflexion of the wrist or extension of the thumb are common clinical signs of scaphoid fracture [30].

Imaging

  • Standard X-rays for scaphoid fracture evaluation should include AP, lateral, and two oblique views [15].
  • Scaphoid fractures may not be visible on initial X-rays in the first few days after injury but usually become clearer two weeks later due to bone resorption and slight displacement [15].
  • CT scans are more sensitive than plain radiography for diagnosing scaphoid fractures and are useful for confirming fragment alignment if surgery is planned or confirming union [15].
  • MRI is the definitive method to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of scaphoid fracture if the technique is available [15].
  • Plain radiography is approximately 50% sensitive for the detection of a scaphoid fracture [30].
  • If a scaphoid fracture is suggested but radiographs are negative, up to 30% of patients may have positive follow-up radiographs at 2 weeks [30].
  • MRI is more sensitive than CT for making the diagnosis of scaphoid fracture [30].
  • A normal MRI study as early as 2 days after injury has a negative predictive value of 100% for scaphoid fracture [30].
  • CT or MRI may be required to see lunate fractures that are difficult to detect on plain radiography [25].
  • CT oriented in the longitudinal axis of the scaphoid with 1-mm cuts can be helpful to evaluate for bridging trabeculae when healing cannot be determined with certainty by standard radiographic examination [16].
  • Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging can be helpful as an adjunct to standard x-rays to evaluate the cartilage of the radiolunate joint and confirm the SLAC stage [31].
  • The diagnosis of osteonecrosis in scaphoid nonunion can be challenging because of the limited sensitivity of imaging modalities, including contrast-enhanced MRI [32].
  • The presence of large cavitary lesions or cysts with bone resorption around the midwaist to proximal pole suggests that the bone has a compromised blood supply [32].
  • A comparison of the carpal height to that of the contralateral wrist allows the extent of collapse and scaphoid shortening to be estimated [32].

Treatment

  • The specific indications for and the risks and benefits of percutaneous screw fixation of nondisplaced scaphoid fractures must be determined in larger randomized, prospective studies [2].
  • A described technique is applicable to any situation where the exact screw length is of critical importance [3].
  • In a series of 24 patients with acute scaphoid fractures, 15 presented with associated ligamentous and/or chondral/osteochondral injuries during arthroscopically assisted reduction and percutaneous fixation [5].
  • Arthroscopic treatment of a juvenile tillaux fracture is technically feasible, allows accurate reconstruction of the weight bearing surface of the joint, and enables secure internal fixation of the fracture [6].
  • Regardless of fixation strategy, posterior ring reduction and stabilization is crucial for anterior pelvic ring injuries [7].
  • Percutaneous screw fixation for acetabular fractures with quadrilateral plate involvement using three-dimensional fluoroscopy navigation is clinically feasible, allowing the quadrilateral plate to be anchored by percutaneous screws and enabling some degree of fracture gap reduction [8].
  • The intrinsic instability of hexapod external fixation devices leads to higher shear forces which may cause failure, delayed union, or pseudarthrosis [9].
  • Immediate exploration is proposed for open fractures, irreducible fractures, unacceptable reduction, associated vascular injuries, radial nerve palsy after manipulation, or intractable neurogenic pain in the context of humerus shaft fracture [10].
  • A small clamp has been devised to maintain the reduction of bone fragments whilst they are being fixed [11].
  • Parallel placement of 2 plates in the sagittal plane is as strong or stronger than the 90°/90° orientation for distal humeral fracture fixation [17].
  • Linking plates together through the bone offers the greatest biomechanical stability for comminuted distal humeral fractures [17].
  • A standard modified Henry approach was performed to expose the malunion of the distal radius in a patient-specific ramp-guide technique for opening-wedge osteotomies [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, K-wires were used to define proximal screw hole positions after applying a pre-reduction guide [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, less than half of the planned osteotomy was performed without losing the connection and position of the distal fragment [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, a ramp-guide was fixed proximally using K-wires to guarantee accurate guide position [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, a plate was latched on the ramp in the negative footprint and temporarily fixated with a cortical screw [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, drilling was performed using conventional angular-stable sleeves and the plate was attached to the distal fragment with locking screws [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, the ramp-guide was detached from the plate after losing the ramp-screw and removal in the proximal direction to complete the osteotomy [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, reduction of the plate was performed with the fixated distal fragment in the pre-defined proximal screw holes on the shaft [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, fluoroscopy was used to verify reduction and screw lengths prior to wound closure [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, a volar splint was applied on the wrist post wound closure [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, a two-week postoperative clinical control was scheduled with suture removal [41].
  • In the described distal radius osteotomy technique, aftercare was conducted with immobilization in a splint and functional treatment provided by a hand therapist for the first eight weeks [41].
  • The clinical results of local anaesthesia in the reduction of Colles' fracture should make an interesting and useful study [44].

Complications

  • In a series of 24 patients with acute scaphoid fractures undergoing arthroscopically assisted reduction and percutaneous fixation, 15 patients presented with associated ligamentous and/or chondral/osteochondral injuries [5].
  • The complex anatomy of the scaphoid waist may alter the strategy of fracture fixation [4].

Recovery

  • The technique described for avoiding overlong screws is applicable to any situation where the exact screw length is of critical importance [3].

Key Evidence

  • [L5] Fractures of the carpus other than the scaphoid are frequently missed on initial presentation and require a high index of suspicion with tailored imaging for diagnosis. [1] (10.5435/jaaos-d-20-00062)
  • [L1] The specific indications for and the risks and benefits of percutaneous screw fixation of such fractures must be determined in larger randomized, prospective studies. [2] (10.2106/00004623-200104000-00001)
  • [L5] The technique described is applicable to any situation where the exact screw length is of critical importance. [3] (10.1016/0020-1383(96)00024-1)
  • [L4] The complex scaphoid anatomy with its waist might alter the strategy of fracture fixation, education and research. [4] (10.1186/s13018-021-02330-8)
  • [L4] In this series, 15 of 24 patients with acute scaphoid fractures presented with associated ligamentous and/or chondral/osteochondral injuries. [5] (10.1016/j.arthro.2008.01.003)
  • [L4] The procedure is technically feasible, allows accurate reconstruction of the weight bearing surface of the joint and secure internal fixation of the fracture. [6] (10.1007/s00167-006-0234-3)
  • [L4] Regardless of fixation strategy, posterior ring reduction and stabilization is crucial. [7] (10.5435/jaaos-d-17-00839)
  • [L4] The technique was clinically feasible, allowing the quadrilateral plate to be anchored by percutaneous screws and enabling some degree of fracture gap reduction. [8] (10.1016/j.injury.2011.08.002)
  • [L5] The intrinsic instability of hexapod devices leads to higher shear forces which may cause failure, delayed union, or pseudarthrosis; new biomechanical studies are necessary to compare device modifications to reduce complications. [9] (10.1016/j.injury.2019.08.028)
  • [Paper] Immediate exploration is proposed for open fractures, irreducible fractures, unacceptable reduction, associated vascular injuries, radial nerve palsy after manipulation, or intractable neurogenic pain. [10] (10.1016/j.injury.2013.01.004)
  • [Paper] A small clamp has been devised to maintain the reduction of bone fragments whilst they are being fixed. [11] (10.1016/s0020-1383(79)80085-6)
  • [L5] Parallel placement of 2 plates in the sagittal plane is as strong or stronger than the 90°/90° orientation, and linking the plates together through the bone offers the greatest biomechanical stability for comminuted distal humeral fractures. [17] (10.1016/j.jse.2004.09.033)
  • [L3] [41] (10.1186/s12891-018-2279-0)
  • [Paper] The clinical results of the Local anaesthesia in the reduction of Colles' fracture should make an interesting and useful study. [44] (10.1016/s0020-1383(73)80021-x)

References

[1] Evaluation and Management of Carpal Fractures Other Than the Scaphoid. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2020. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-20-00062

[2] Percutaneous Screw Fixation or Cast Immobilization for Nondisplaced Scaphoid Fractures. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery-American Volume. 2001. DOI: 10.2106/00004623-200104000-00001

[3] How to avoid overlong screws. Injury. 1996. DOI: 10.1016/0020-1383(96)00024-1

[4] 3D computational anatomy of the scaphoid and its waist for use in fracture treatment. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2021. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-021-02330-8

[5] Incidence of Ligamentous and Other Injuries Associated With Scaphoid Fractures During Arthroscopically Assisted Reduction and Percutaneous Fixation. Arthroscopy. 2008. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2008.01.003

[6] Arthroscopic treatment of a juvenile tillaux fracture. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2006. DOI: 10.1007/s00167-006-0234-3

[7] Fixation of Anterior Pelvic Ring Injuries. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2019. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-17-00839

[8] Percutaneous screw fixation for the acetabular fracture with quadrilateral plate involved by three-dimensional fluoroscopy navigation: Surgical technique. Injury. 2012. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2011.08.002

[9] External fixation of the lower extremities: Constantly striving for the best results. Injury. 2019. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2019.08.028

[10] Approach to radial nerve palsy caused by humerus shaft fracture: Is primary exploration necessary?. Injury. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2013.01.004

[11] Bone fragment clamp. Injury. 1979. DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(79)80085-6

[14] Green S Operative Hand Surgery. Examination and Imaging of the Scaphoid.

[15] Apley And Solomon S Concise System Of Orthopaedics And Trauma. FRACTURES OF THE DISTAL RADIUS IN CHILDREN > FRACTURE OF THE SCAPHOID.

[16] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. NERVE INJURIES AT THE LEVEL OF THE HAND AND WRIST > OPEN REDUCTION AND INTERNAL FIXATION OF ACUTE DISPLACED FRACTURES OF THE SCAPHOID—DORSAL APPROACH.

[17] Optimizing stability in distal humeral fracture fixation. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2005. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2004.09.033

[22] Rockwood And Green S Fractures In Adults. 42: Fractures of the Distal Radius and Ulna > Pathoanatomy and Applied Anatomy Related to Scaphoid Fractures.

[25] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. MALPOSITIONED NONUNION OF SCAPHOID FRACTURES ("HUMPBACK" DEFORMITY) > FRACTURES OF THE LUNATE AND KIENBÖCK DISEASE.

[27] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. NERVE INJURIES AT THE LEVEL OF THE HAND AND WRIST > FRACTURES OF THE SCAPHOID.

[30] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. OVERCORRECTION OSTEOTOMY AND LIGAMENTOUS REPAIR OR RECONSTRUCTION > SCAPHOID AND CARPAL FRACTURES.

[31] Green S Operative Hand Surgery. Scaphoid Excision and Four-Corner Fusion.

[32] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update Trauma. Hand/Carpal Fractures and Dislocations > Scaphoid Fractures > Scaphoid Nonunion.

[33] Green S Operative Hand Surgery. Biomechanics of Scaphoid Fractures and Implications of Nonunion.

[35] Rockwood And Green S Fractures In Adults. 42: Fractures of the Distal Radius and Ulna > Signs and Symptoms of Scaphoid Fractures.

[38] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 13 Ebook Without Multimedia. Pediatric Forearm, Wrist, and Hand Trauma > Scaphoid Fractures.

[39] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update Sports Medicine 6. Hand and Wrist Injuries > Hand Injuries > Scaphoid Fractures.

[41] Improving accuracy of opening-wedge osteotomies of distal radius using a patient-specific ramp-guide technique. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2018. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-018-2279-0

[44] From Mr. J. C. Scott. Injury. 1973. DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(73)80021-x

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