Ever heard of the scaphoid bone? Probably not—until it starts causing you grief! Nestled in your wrist, this little troublemaker can pack a big punch if it gets injured. A scaphoid fracture can lead to wrist pain, limited movement, and even complications if not treated properly. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! If you suspect a scaphoid fracture, our osteopaths at Altona Meadows Osteopathy are here to guide you through recovery. Call (03) 8360 8363 to book your appointment today. In the meantime, let’s empower ourselves with knowledge – read on…
What is a scaphoid fracture?
The scaphoid is a small but mighty bone on the thumb side of your wrist, sitting in a key position amongst the carpal bones. Its job? To stabilise your wrist and help you perform all the twisting, gripping, and waving we often take for granted.
Scaphoid fractures typically happen when you fall onto an outstretched hand – a reflex we all share when trying to break a fall. (Better to break a bone in your hand than breaking your skull after all.) But here’s the catch – this bone’s unique blood supply situation can make healing tricky. Without proper care, a fractured scaphoid can lead to a condition called avascular necrosis, where part of the bone doesn’t get enough blood flow and begins to break down and die. (More on that to come).
Causes and risk factors
Scaphoid fractures love drama – they often occur after:
- Taking a tumble onto your outstretched hand.
- Sports spills in activities like football, snowboarding, or skateboarding.
- Sudden wrist trauma during motor vehicle accidents.
These fractures are most common in young adults, particularly men, thanks to their higher participation in these sorts of high-impact activities.
Symptoms of a scaphoid fracture
Spotting a scaphoid fracture can be trickier than you’d think. Unlike other fractures, there’s rarely an obvious deformity. Instead, you might notice:
- Pain at the base of your thumb (known as the “anatomical snuffbox” – yes, that’s a real term!).
- Swelling around the wrist.
- Difficulty gripping objects or moving your wrist.
Think it’s just a sprain? It’s easy to confuse the two, but if symptoms persist, it’s best to have it checked.
The risk of avascular necrosis
Here’s where things get serious. The scaphoid receives blood from one end only, meaning a fracture can disrupt the flow to the other segments. This can cause avascular necrosis (AVN), where the bone tissue starts to die due to lack of blood supply. If left untreated, this can lead to chronic pain, limited wrist mobility, or arthritis.
Diagnosis
Scaphoid fractures are a bit of a Houdini act—they may not show up immediately on standard X-rays. If your symptoms point to a fracture, follow-up imaging such as CT or MRI scans can provide clarity.
Treatment options include:
Non-surgical methods: Stable fractures can be treated with immobilisation in a cast.
Surgery: For unstable fractures, surgical stabilisation with screws or pins is often recommended.
When to see your osteopath
Osteopathy supports your recovery by addressing not just the wrist but your whole-body movement. While osteopaths don’t treat the fracture itself, we work alongside your medical care team to ensure optimal recovery and prevent secondary complications.
After the cast is removed, we’ll work to improve mobility, helping you regain pain-free wrist movement through gentle mobilisations and to promote circulation to the area. We also take particular care to address compensatory movement patterns that spring up. Huh? Injuries often make us adjust how we move. Our osteopaths will assess your biomechanics and make suggestions to correct these patterns (so you can avoid strain on other areas like the shoulder or elbow).
What to expect from osteopathic treatment
During your first visit, our osteopath will assess your medical history, check your wrist’s recovery stage, and evaluate the surrounding joints. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
- Soft tissue techniques to relieve muscle tension.
- Joint mobilisation to gently improve movement.
- Rehabilitation exercises designed to help you rebuild strength and flexibility.
- Prevention tips
Want to keep your scaphoid safe?
Good idea – prevention is always better than cure!
Here’s how:
- Use wrist guards during high-risk activities.
- Strengthen your wrists and hands with targeted exercises.
- Stay mindful of slippery surfaces to prevent falls.
Conclusion
A scaphoid fracture may seem small, but it can lead to big complications without proper care. If you’re recovering from one, osteopathic treatment may help improve your mobility, reduce pain, and support your long-term health. Call (03) 8360 8363 today to book an appointment with our osteopaths at Altona Meadows Osteopathy. And don’t forget to follow us on social media for more health tips and updates – we’re on Facebook and Instagram. And stay safe!
Information provided here (including text, graphics, images, outbound links, and other material) is for informational purposes only. It is general in nature and is not to be used or considered as a substitute for personalised professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified allied health provider regarding any symptoms, medical conditions, or treatments and before undertaking any new health care regimen.