What are the features of a scaphoid fracture?
There is pain, swelling and tenderness over the thumb side of the wrist. Radiographs of the wrist confirm a fracture. Occasionally initial radiographs taken soon after the injury may not show the fracture. If a fracture is suspected but not confirmed it should be treated as one, the wrist immobilised in a splint or cast and then re-examined and further radiographs taken 10-14 days after the injury. An MRI scan of the wrist is also helpful in establishing the diagnosis.
