How is scaphoid treated?

How is scaphoid treated?

Treatment for a scaphoid fracture can range from casting to surgery, depending on the fracture’s severity and location on the bone. Because portions of the scaphoid have a poor blood supply—and a fracture can further disrupt the flow of blood to the bone—complications with the healing process are common.

Why is scaphoid at risk of AVN?

Avascular necrosis is common complication of a scaphoid fracture (in around 30% of cases), with its risk increasing the more proximal the fracture. Non-union is the bone failing to heal properly, most commonly due to a poor blood supply.

What happens if my scaphoid dies?

When the scaphoid bone is broken, it may not heal properly because it has a very fragile blood supply. Scaphoid fractures that do not heal are referred to as a scaphoid non-union. Ultimately, scaphoid non-unions can lead to loss of wrist motion and eventual wrist arthritis.

What happens if your scaphoid dies?

How do you treat a non union fracture?

Treatment. In some cases, a bone stimulator can be used to treat a nonunion. A bone stimulator is a small device that delivers ultrasonic or pulsed electromagnetic waves to a bone to stimulate healing. The stimulator is placed over the skin near the nonunion for between 20 minutes and several ours each day.

Can non union bones heal?

Many surgeons will treat nonunions by resetting the bone with internal fixation, using plates, screws or nails to keep the broken ends of the bone lined up with each other (reduced) and adding bone graft to improve healing at the fracture site.

What foods to avoid if you have avascular necrosis?

To reduce the risk of avascular necrosis and improve general health:

• Limit alcohol. Heavy drinking is one of the top risk factors for developing avascular necrosis.
• Keep cholesterol levels low. Tiny bits of fat are the most common substance blocking blood supply to bones.
• Monitor steroid use.
• Don’t smoke.