scaphoid fracture
Pronunciation: SCAF-oid
Fracture of the boat-shaped carpal bone, prone to delayed healing due to poor blood supply.
Full Definition
Scaphoid fracture is the most common carpal bone fracture, typically resulting from a fall on an outstretched hand with the wrist extended and radially deviated. The scaphoid bone has a precarious blood supply, with the proximal pole receiving retrograde flow, making it susceptible to delayed union or avascular necrosis. Clinical presentation includes pain and tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox, worsened by thumb movement or axial loading. Due to the high risk of complications, suspected scaphoid fractures require immobilization even when initial radiographs appear normal, with follow-up imaging or MRI if symptoms persist.
Usage
Usage note: Historically called navicular fracture, but scaphoid is the preferred current terminology.
In Context
- "CT scan revealed a displaced scaphoid waist fracture requiring surgical fixation." — Imaging report
- "The patient was placed in a thumb spica cast for suspected scaphoid fracture." — Emergency department treatment