Current Trends in Scaphoid Fracture Management: An Update

Scaphoid fractures are a common but frequently missed wrist injury. Patients classically present following a fall onto an outstretched hand, with pain and tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox. When missed, scaphoid fractures can have serious complications such as avascular necrosis of the scaphoid and scaphoid non-union advanced collapse. The British Society for Surgery of the Hand has recently published guidelines on the management of suspected scaphoid fractures. Initial management involves radiographs and immobilisation with referral to a specialist within 7 days. Further management includes immobilisation for stable fractures and surgical intervention for cases with greater than 2 mm displacement, associated distal radial fractures, peri-lunate injuries, or proximal pole fractures with any displacement. Follow-up radiographs and computed tomography are used to monitor healing. This article aims to review recent advances in scaphoid fracture management, aligned with the latest British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) guidelines.