Fractured Scaphoid
Abstract
38 y/o man in skate board accident
Keywords
msk plain film
Publication Date: 10 November 2003
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History and Images
20 y/o student fell off his bicycle.
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Findings and Diagnosis
A lucent line crosses the scaphoid consistent with a fracture.
The image below was obtained two weeks post op for internal reduction with a screw.
Discussion
The scaphoid or navicular is the most frequently fractured carpal bone usual occuring from a fall onto an outstretched hand especially when the wrist is radially deviated. It is important to detect because the blood supply to the navicular is tenuous leaving to risk of avascular necrosis of the distal fractured fragment. Oblique "scaphoid" views may be helpful in detecting a subtle fracture. MRI may be occasionally useful for clinically suspicious but x-ray negative studies. Alternatively, the wrist may be immobilized for 2 weeks and x-rays repeated.