Scaphoid Fracture Treatment Specialist in Fort Myers, and Port Charlotte FL

A scaphoid fracture occurs when one of the small bones of the wrist is broken, most often as the result of a fall onto an outstretched hand.

Symptoms typically include pain and tenderness in the area just below the base of the thumb which may worsen if you try to pinch or grasp something.

Generally, diagnosis is based on x-ray images (Postero-anterior view), MRI, or ultrasound images.

Treatment for a scaphoid fracture depends on the severity of the fracture and where it is located on the bone.

Not all fractures will require surgery. Treatment will depend on:

• The location of the fracture
• Whether the bone fragments are displaced
• How long ago the injury occurred

Nonsurgical Treatment treatments include:

• Non displaced fracture – your wrist and hand may be in a cast or a splint from below the elbow and including the thumb. Healing time varies from patient to patient. However, with proper care, non-displaced fracture‘s of the scaphoid bone can heal well in a few months.
• Displaced fracture – If the scaphoid is broken and displaced, healing can be more difficult and sometimes these are treated surgically.


Surgical Treatments include:

• Closed Reduction and screw fixation – During this minimally invasive procedure, your surgeon will manipulate the bone back into its correct position and affix a very small screw.
• Open reduction and Internal fixation – During this procedure, a bigger incision is made and hardware is used to fix the bone.
• Bone Graft – In some cases, a bone graft (new bone that is placed around the broken bone) may be used to stimulate bone production and healing.

Complications with the healing process are common in this type of fracture as parts of the scaphoid have a poor blood supply and a fracture can further impact this. In some cases, a Bone Stimulator device may be used to promote healing. This is a small device that delivers low-intensity ultrasonic or pulsed electromagnetic waves that assist in the healing process. A bone stimulator is very useful if a fracture needs extra time to heal.

Unlike other fractures, scaphoid fractures tend to heal slowly. Therefore, regardless of the type of treatment you had, you may need to wear a cast or splint for 2 to 3 months, or until the fracture has healed. During this time, unless approved by your doctor, you should avoid the following activities:

• Carrying, lifting, pulling or pushing anything over a few pounds.
• Throwing with the injured arm
• Participating in contact sports or activities that may pose a risk of falling onto the hand, such as trampolining or inline skating
• Climbing trees or ladders
• Using heavy or vibratory machinery
• Smoking (can impede healing)

Wrist stiffness has been reported by some people after a scaphoid fracture and is more common in patients who wear a cast for an extended period of time or require more extensive surgery. Your doctor will provide an exercise program to ensure that you retain full motion in your fingers, and you may be referred to a trained hand therapist to help you regain as much strength and range of motion in your wrist as possible. Unfortunately, despite diligent efforts in both hand and home therapy, some patients may not recover the same range of motion and strength that they had before their injury.

The duration of pain from a scaphoid fracture will vary from case to case, but generally speaking the wrist will likely feel stiff for a month or two after the cast has been removed and a dull ache and some stiffness may persist for about two years.

We are an advanced medical facility dedicated to the treatment of hand and arm conditions with locations in Port Charlotte FL and Fort Myers FL and are proud to serve patients statewide. Call us or schedule an appointment today! We serve patients from Port Charlotte FL, Fort Myers FL, Punta Gorda FL, Cape Coral FL, Estero FL, Lake Suzy FL, Murdock FL, Charlotte Harbor FL, Harbour Heights FL, and Solana FL.