Non-operative treatment of non-displaced scaphoid fractures may be preferred

• Published in: Injury Vol. 40; no. 6; pp. 638 - 641
• Main Authors: Rhemrev, Steven J, van Leerdam, Roderick H, Ootes, Daan, Beeres, Frank J.P, Meylaerts, Sven A.G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adolescent; Biological and medical sciences; Casts, Surgical; Conservative treatment; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Female; Fracture Fixation - methods; Fracture Healing - physiology; Fractures, Bone - classification; Fractures, Bone - diagnostic imaging; Fractures, Bone - therapy; Humans; Injuries of the limb. Injuries of the spine; Male; Medical sciences; Non-displaced scaphoid fracture; Orthopedics; Radiography; Retrospective Studies; Scaphoid Bone - injuries; Time Factors; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult; Non-displaced scaphoid fracture; Conservative treatment; Fracture dislocation; Orthopedics; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Scaphoid; Bone
• ISSN: 0020-1383; 1879-0267
• DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2008.10.028

Abstract Aim To evaluate the outcome of non-displaced scaphoid fractures treated with 6 weeks of cast immobilisation, and to establish whether the benefits of non-operative treatment might outweigh those of early operation. Methods A retrospective study analysed 89 consecutive cases of scaphoid fracture treated at our institution between 2004 and 2007. Diagnosis and treatment methods and complication rates were evaluated. Results Among 71 non-displaced scaphoid fractures, >80% showed clinical consolidation after 6 weeks of cast immobilisation, and the remaining cases after 8–12 weeks. Two cases needed a longer period of cast immobilisation. Conclusion A restricted period of cast immobilisation is usually adequate for the treatment of non-displaced scaphoid fractures.