AdministratorDoes a scaphoid fracture need a cast?
Immobilization. If your break is mild and your scaphoid didn’t move far out of place (if it’s non-displaced), you might only need a splint or cast. Splinting usually lasts for three to five weeks. If you need a cast, it’ll likely be for longer, typically six to eight weeks.
What type of cast is used for a scaphoid fracture?
Fractures of the scaphoid bone in the wrist are among the most common broken bone injuries. Traditionally, they have been healed by immobilising the wrist in a plaster cast but over the last two decades, surgeons have increasingly fixed the injury in surgery, by putting a small screw across the break.
How long do you cast a scaphoid fracture?
Fractures that are in the proximal pole of the scaphoid, displaced, or not treated soon after injury require surgical repair. The goal is to put the bones back in alignment and stabilize them so they can heal properly. After surgery, you will usually be in a cast for eight to 12 weeks.
Can you still move your wrist with a scaphoid fracture?
A scaphoid fracture that is correctly treated soon after the injury will take about 12 weeks to heel. But an untreated fracture may take as long as six months to recover from. Untreated patients will also usually experience long-term problems moving their wrist or other complications (see below).
Can a scaphoid fracture heal without a cast?
Whether your treatment is surgical or nonsurgical, you may be required to wear a cast or splint for up to 6 months or until your fracture has healed. Unlike most other fractures, scaphoid fractures tend to heal slowly.
Can you drive with a scaphoid cast?
You should avoid heavy tasks with your injured hand for six weeks. You can return to driving once your cast has been removed and you feel confident to do so. This is usually after six weeks.
Can I wear a splint instead of a cast?
When there’s swelling, splints are a better choice than casts because they are easy to loosen, if needed. Health care providers usually replace a splint with a cast on a broken bone after the swelling goes down. The cast will provide more protection while a broken bone heals.
Can a scaphoid fracture heal in 4 weeks?
The majority heal uneventfully after four to six weeks of immobilization, depending on fracture type. In general, proximal scaphoid fractures should be treated with internal fixation.
How painful is a scaphoid fracture?
Scaphoid fractures usually cause pain and swelling in the anatomic snuffbox and on the thumb side of the wrist. The pain may be severe when you move your thumb or wrist, or when you try to pinch or grasp something. Unless your wrist is deformed, it might not be obvious that your scaphoid bone is broken.
Why does my heel burn in my splint?
Burning, stinging skin could be signaling too much pressure on the skin inside the cast.