How long does it take to recover from a fractured scaphoid?
Scaphoid fractures are a type of broken wrist. They happen when you break your scaphoid bone — a small bone near the base of your thumb. You might need surgery, but even if you do, you should make a full recovery. People usually need around three months to heal from a scaphoid fracture.
Can scaphoid heal in 4 weeks?
“This paper certainly outlines the difficulty in generalizing our treatment of the scaphoid and confirms that there is a subset of nondisplaced fractures that have a likelihood to heal within 4 weeks,” he said.
Can a scaphoid fracture heal in 6 weeks?
Treatment for scaphoid fractures depends on the type of fracture. Most non-displaced scaphoid fractures will heal if treated in a cast for eight weeks. The cast usually includes the thumb, wrist and forearm.
How do you know when a scaphoid fracture is healed?
At this point, a healing fracture will characteristically become more visible on X-rays because the normal healing process leads to removal of some of the jagged edges of the broken bone, causing the fracture to appear wider. Special views that are specific to the scaphoid may also be taken.
What is the fastest way to heal a scaphoid fracture?
Casting. A nondisplaced fracture in the waist or distal pole of your scaphoid that’s treated soon after injury can be treated by immobilizing your wrist with a cast for six to 12 weeks. Once an X-ray shows the fracture is healed, the cast can be removed.
How can I make my scaphoid heal faster?
- Advance therapy with gentle AROM of the wrist and gentle opposition and flexion/extension exercises to the thumb.
- Continue elbow and shoulder exercises.
- Remove the short-arm cast at 6 weeks if the fracture appears to be radiographically healed.
- Use a wrist splint for protection.
Will my scaphoid ever heal?
Conclusion Subacute scaphoid fractures (presenting within 6 months from injury) can be expected to successfully heal with casting alone, even if the initial diagnosis is delayed.
How to speed up your recovery from a scaphoid fracture?
Lifting,carrying,pushing,or pulling more than one pound of weight
How long does a scaphoid fracture take to heal?
Scaphoid fractures usually heal within 6-12 weeks if immediate treatment is administered. In some cases, the fracture heals faster or longer, depending on the severity of the case and on how soon the initial treatment was done. Usually, if the diagnosis is delayed, the fracture takes even longer to heal, sometimes reaching up to 6 months or more.
What to expect after scaphoid fractures?
Scaphoid fractures tend to take longer to heal than other breaks. You may have to wear a cast or splint for up to 6 months. You will visit with your doctor throughout the recovery process, and the doctor may change recommendations based on how you’re healing.
Does a scaphoid fracture need a surgery?
Yes. Surgery may not be required for a scaphoid fracture as long as you follow proper treatment and limit activity while you have the hand. If bones are likely to heal by themselves, then you will likely need to cast. This means that the wrist is immobile and that the bone pieces that connect are fusing.
