Summary | Physiotherapy for a scaphoid fracture of the hand

Summary

The scaphoid fracture of the hand is the most common fracture of the carpus. The problem is that a long immobilization is often necessary for the fracture to heal. This can result in restricted movement in the wrist and adhesions and structural changes in the surrounding tissue, which is prevented and improved in physiotherapy for scaphoid fractures of the hand.

Immobilization can be achieved with a plaster cast or a splint. Plaster is a little more complicated to apply, whereas splints carry the risk of incorrect application.A common complication of scaphoid fracture is pseudarthrosis, an insufficient healing process in which the fracture fragments remain mobile. Surgery may be indicated in cases of pseudarthrosis or unstable fractures. The healing time is about 3 months.

All articles in this series:

  1. Physiotherapy for a scaphoid fracture of the hand
  2. Healing time
  3. When does surgery have to be performed?
  4. Summary