The scaphoid is the largest of the carpal bones. Especially when falling on the wrist, the scaphoid is often affected. Due to its special anatomical position, the scaphoid heals particularly poorly after a fracture.
In the case of a fracture that runs straight through the bone, part of the scaphoid is no longer supplied with blood. There is a risk that this part will die off. The scaphoid can be completely immobilized with a plaster cast. This allows the bone to grow together again in the ideal position.
What does the cast look like in case of a scaphoid fracture?
The most important part of the cast for a scaphoid fracture is that the thumb is also put in the cast. This is because the scaphoid is moved with every movement of the thumb, or at least is loaded. Therefore, the fracture can only heal well if the thumb is immobilized.
The thumb is put in the cast in a spread position so that as little pressure as possible is exerted on the fractured scaphoid. The wrist is also enclosed in the cast. The scaphoid belongs to the carpal bones, so there must be no mobility in the wrist when immobilized.
In addition, the forearm is usually put in a plaster cast so that no movements can be transferred to the wrist. An upper arm cast is usually not necessary in the case of an isolated scaphoid fracture. However, if other structures in the wrist and forearm are also affected due to a fall, an upper arm cast must sometimes be applied.
This is especially necessary when no rotation is allowed in the wrist and forearm. The typical cast for a scaphoid fracture is the forearm cast. It immobilizes the scaphoid and the surrounding carpal bones completely.
In addition, the mobility in the forearm is reduced, so that less vibrations reach the wrist. It is also important to plaster the thumb as well. When the thumb is moved, it triggers vibrations, especially in the scaphoid, and can thus delay or prevent the healing of the scaphoid fracture. The thumb is plastered in an abducted (protruding) position, since this is the least pressure on the scaphoid.
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