Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach to Acute Scaphoid Fractures

Abstract

The scaphoid is the carpal bone that most often fractures, accounting for up to 70% of carpal fractures and 11% of hand fractures. It is the second most common arm fracture, only surpassed by fractures of the distal radius. Despite being so common, these fractures can be difficult to diagnose and treat due to the anatomic and physiological particularities of the bone, including its precarious vascularization, its complex three-dimensional structure, and its ligament connections, which greatly contribute to the risk of complications such as malunion, pseudoarthrosis and avascular necrosis. Although there are many published studies on the treatment of these injuries, there is still controversy over what is the most suitable one for certain fracture types. The present article is a comprehensive and updated review of the literature. Combining strategies for clinical and radiological diagnosis, we propose a complete algorithm for the diagnosis of scaphoid fractures based on the varying availability of resources, and we also describe the most appropriate therapeutic approach for the different types of acute fractures of this bone.

Keywords

scaphoid fracture - carpus - wrist - scaphoid - carpal fractures

Epidemiology

The scaphoid is the most frequently fractured carpal bone, and is involved in up to 70% of carpal fractures,[1] and 11% of hand fractures; scaphoid fractures are the second most common upper-limb fracture, only surpassed by distal-radial fractures.[2] According to the recent literature, the incidence of this injury ranged from 22 to 141 cases per 100 thousand people per year.[3] However, in a more recent publication using the US National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database, Van Tassel et al[4] concluded that the current figure was much lower than what had been described in previous publications, with only 1.47 cases per 100 thousand people per year. Most of these fractures occur in young subjects, mostly in the age group between 20 and 29 years.[4] In children, scaphoid fractures are much less common, representing only 3% of pediatric hand and wrist fractures. There is a clear predominance of scaphoid fractures in men (66.4%). Nonetheless, recent studies observed an increased prevalence in women, probably due to their greater participation in organized sports. Although very common, these injuries may be difficult to diagnose and treat due to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the scaphoid.

Anatomy

The scaphoid has a complex three-dimensional structure, described as an irregular, slightly twisted, S-curved ellipsoid. Its longitudinal axis is oriented at approximately 45° to the longitudinal axis of the hand in both the sagittal and coronal planes.[5] This complex morphology hampers the interpretation of the radiographs, the pattern of the fractures, and the evaluation of the displacement.

The scaphoid consists of four parts: tubercle, waist, proximal pole, and distal pole. Most authors, however, include the tubercle as part of the distal pole, without any specific distinction. Regarding the proximal pole, there is much discrepancy as to its initial point. The most accepted definition refers to the proximal 20% of the bone.[6] Most fractures (approximately 70%) occur at the scaphoid waist, with 20% at the distal pole, 5% at the tubercle, and the remaining 5% at the proximal pole. Certain properties of the bone structure may contribute to the higher incidence of waist fractures. In a cadaveric computed tomography (CT) study, Bindra[7] found out that the scaphoid is denser at the proximal pole, in which the trabeculae are thicker and more firmly organized; the trabeculae are thinner, scarcer and dispersed at the scaphoid waist.[2] Many publications have estimated that 70% to 80% of the total scaphoid covering surface is cartilaginous. This characteristic covering limits the entry area for blood vessels, resulting in a precarious vascularization. Furthermore, the small vessels that nourish the scaphoid are difficult to appreciate within the capsular structures, and there is a risk of unintentional injury during surgical interventions. As such, knowledge on the vascular anatomy of the scaphoid is critical. The dorsal scaphoid artery, a branch of the radial artery, is the most important vessel to supply blood to the scaphoid. The vascularization of the proximal 70% to 80% of the scaphoid depends on branches of this artery that pierce the bone in a narrow, non-articulated dorsal area, called dorsoradial ridge, and supply it retrogradely. This ridge separates the proximal and dorsal articular surfaces of the distal palmar scaphoid. The vascularization of the remaining 20% to 30% distal scaphoid is performed by small, direct palmar branches from the radial artery or superficial palmar arch that enter the scaphoid tubercle and the collateral circulation from the anterior interosseous artery.[2] [5] [8] [9] Some authors believe that vessels from scaphoid proximal and distal areas communicate within the bone,[10] but others do not.[9] Similarly, some authors speak about a potential third source of blood supply, inconsistent and thin, through the scapholunate ligament,[11] while others vehemently question it.[9] This unique vascularization predisposes the scaphoid, especially its proximal pole, to fracture-related avascular necrosis and pseudarthrosis.

The scaphoid connects the proximal and distal rows of the carpal bones, affecting the mobility of each row according to its position and functional demand. This effect results from multiple ligamentous attachments that play a crucial role in wrist stability and biomechanics. The present article does not intend to discuss specific details of the anatomy of the carpal ligament, but its knowledge is recommended for a better understanding of wrist biomechanics and scaphoid pathology. In displaced fractures, the proximal pole is extended due to its attachment to the lunate through the scapholunate ligament, while the distal fragment remains flexed due to its intimate union with the trapezius and the trapezoid through the triscaphe (scaphotrapeziotrapezoid) ligament, giving rise to the characteristic hump deformity of the scaphoid.

In conclusion, its poor vascularization, anatomy and ligamentous attachments greatly contribute to the risk of malunion and pseudoarthrosis.[2]

Injury Mechanism

Most scaphoid fractures occur after a fall with the extended wrist and radial deviation.[12] The exact biomechanical mechanism has been discussed for decades. Todd,[13] the first to study it, stated that it resulted from excessive stress, while Cobey and White[14] argued that fractures are produced by excessive compression on the concave medial joint surface of the scaphoid by the capitate bone. In a cadaveric study, Frykman[15] demonstrated that fractures are more likely to occur with wrist hyperextension and radial deviation, a finding later confirmed by Weber and Chao,[16] who were able to recreate scaphoid fractures by load application on the radial area of the palm with the wrist in 95° to 100° of extension.[17] Other fracture mechanisms described include direct blows or axial compression of the hand with the wrist in a neutral position.

Diagnosis

Despite the high frequency of scaphoid fractures, their diagnosis remains a great challenge. On the one hand, the complex three-dimensional structure of the scaphoid and the peculiar geometry of the fracture make them difficult to detect using plain radiographs. On the other hand, the fragile, precarious vascularization is an obstacle to consolidation and predisposes to complications such as delayed union, pseudoarthrosis and avascular necrosis. Late diagnosis and treatment increase the risk of these complications. Langhoff and Andersen[18] showed that a treatment delay for 4 weeks increased the risk of nonunion to up to 40%, while earlier diagnosis and treatment reduced the risk to 3%. In addition to the short-term problems related to these complications (including pain, loss of strength and mobility), they result in osteoarthritis with a predictable degeneration pattern known as scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC); SNAC can lead to greater functional limitation of the wrist, requiring salvage or palliative surgeries.

Clinical Diagnosis

At first, scaphoid fractures can easily go unnoticed, since many are imperceptible and the initial symptoms can be minimal, such as mild swelling and a slightly limitation in mobility. In these cases, if the patient reports a history of fall with the hand outstretched, an axial load on the wrist, or even a torsion, it is important to have a high index of suspicion not to miss an in situ or minimally-displaced fracture. In other cases, patients may present with more obvious signs, including edema, swelling in the anatomical snuff box, ecchymosis, limited wrist mobility, crepitation, and tenderness in the anatomic snuff box, scaphoid tubercle, and/or axial loading on the thumb.

Up to 25 different physical examination maneuvers have been described to identify scaphoid fractures.[3] The most sensitive to diagnose acute injuries is pain during palpation of the anatomical snuff box, with figures ranging from 87% to 100%.[19] Other maneuvers with similar sensitivity are pain on tubercle palpation and axial compression of the thumb. Pain during thumb mobilization, although a widely used maneuver, is not so sensitive (with approximately 66% of sensitivity). Despite their high sensitivity, all of these maneuvers individually have very low specificity, with 9%, 30%, 48% and 69% respectively.[20] However, it has been shown that their combined use within 24 hours of the injury increase specificity to 74%, with 100% of sensitivity. In contrast, if only one maneuver is positive, the probability of fracture is very low, with a negative predictive value of 96%.[21]

In addition, Duckworth et al[22] analyzed certain clinical and demographic variables and demonstrated that the positive predictive value increases to 94% if 4 variables are concurrently observed: male gender; sport-related injury; pain in the anatomical snuffbox during ulnar deviation of the wrist together with pain when performing a clamp with the thumb and index finger at the time of the injury; and persistence of pain on palpation of the scaphoid tubercle 2 weeks after the fracture.

Similarly, other studies have observed that some anatomical factors such as increased radial inclination, volar inclination, radius height, and a negative ulnar variance can be risk factors for scaphoid fractures. Therefore, in patients with a history of fall and support with the hand in extension, positive clinical signs along with radiological findings of negative ulnar variance and increased radius indices (radial tilt > 28.6°, volar tilt > 12.2°, and radial height > 14.8 mm), there is an increased risk of scaphoid fracture, and the index of diagnostic suspicion must be higher.[23]

Although the literature disagrees on the predictive power of different signs and tests, all studies emphasize the need to always combine several maneuvers to increase the probability of detecting acute fractures.

Imaging

In a suspected scaphoid fracture, the initial diagnostic approach includes plain radiographs in posteroanterior and lateral views, in addition to an oblique view with 45° pronation and a posteroanterior view with ulnar deviation (scaphoid projection). This latter view can help fracture visualization because the ulnar deviation of the wrist extends the scaphoid and distracts the unstable fragments; this is the best method to view scaphoid-waist fracture. The lateral view is good to detect tubercle and distal scaphoid injuries and to identify hump deformities by calculating the capitolunate, radiolunate, and scapholunate angles.[3] [24]

An adequate radiographic study can detect fractures in 85% to 90% of cases. However, the initial radiographs can be negative, especially if the fractures are not displaced; the incidence of false-negative radiographs is up to 25%.[25] Although subtle fractures are often more visible on plain radiographs after one or two weeks, they can remain radiologically hidden for up to six weeks.[26] Considering this fact and the complications related to the delayed treatment of scaphoid fractures, we classically believed that all patients with clinical suspicion of scaphoid fracture, even those with negative radiographs, should be treated with wrist immobilization at presentation and reassessed both clinically and radiologically 7 to 10 days later for signs of bone displacement or resorption-enhancing evidence of fracture on radiographs. Although accepted in the clinical practice, this strategy has been shown to fail to detect up to 9% of scaphoid fractures, leading to a delay in their diagnosis and unnecessary immobilization in 57% to 80% of the patients with negative baseline radiographs.[20] To avoid the consequences of both unnecessary and insufficient treatments, numerous studies recommend, whenever possible, advanced imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) within the first week after the injury in patients with suspected occult scaphoid fractures. These tests have demonstrated much higher diagnostic sensitivity and specificity than plain radiographs, in addition to superior cost-effectiveness and better health outcomes than cast immobilization.[20]

The MRI is the gold standard test to diagnose occult scaphoid fractures,[27] with sensitivity and specificity close to 100%, and high interobserver reliability. It enables the detection of bone swelling a few hours after the injury, and it also has the advantage of enabling the identification of other concomitant wrist injuries both at the ligamentous and bone levels.[17] According to some studies, the sensitivity of the CT to diagnose acute scaphoid fractures is similar to that of the MRI, but, as a disadvantage, it is contingent to technical factors.[24] The CT is most useful in the acute setting, when the fracture is radiographically visible, due to its high degree of resolution; in addition, its multiplanar capacity make it the ideal test for surgical planning. The choice between MRI or CT to diagnose occult fractures is largely based on local availability soon after injury. However, if both are available, the MRI is the preferable test.

Recently published studies describe the usefulness of other imaging tests as alternatives to the MRI and CT. Ultrasound has been proposed to diagnose acute scaphoid fractures because it is a dynamic test and almost as available as radiographs. When the MRI and CT are not available, ultrasound may be more cost-effective than empirical immobilization.[28] The main drawbacks of musculoskeletal ultrasound include its difficult performance and interpretation, the high operator-related contingency, and the inability to identify other carpal injuries or wrist fractures with initial clinical presentation similar to that of a scaphoid fracture. As such, when other methods are not available, ultrasound cannot be considered as reliable as a second imaging test to detect occult scaphoid fractures.[24]

A new technique using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has been developed, and shows promise in identifying acute scaphoid fractures (and other fractures). A version of this technique enables calcium subtraction, improving the visualization of bone marrow edema due to the increased image density.[29] More studies are required to demonstrate its usefulness, but it is likely that its best applications are on patients who cannot undergo an MRI due to claustrophobia or for having an MRI-incompatible implanted device, or in places with no MRI available.

Recently, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has witnessed a renaissance, with specific systems for hand and wrist applications. Although its role in evaluating soft tissues and deeper bone structures is very limited, studies have documented that the sensitivity of the CBCT in diagnosing scaphoid fractures is higher compared to that of radiographs, and that, at the wrist, the CBCT is just as good as conventional CT for diagnostic purposes.[24] Its advantages include the lower cost, the fact that it can be easily positioned, and it is performed with the patient sitting down or standing up (instead of lying down with the arm in Superman position), and the lower exposure to ionizing radiation.

Considering all of the aforementioned information and combining clinical and radiological diagnostic strategies, we propose a complete algorithm to diagnose scaphoid fractures based on the availability of different imaging modalities ([Figure 1]).

Fig. 1 Algorithm for the diagnosis of acute scaphoid fractures. (X-ray: plain X-ray; +: positive result; -: negative result; CT: computed tomography; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging; US: ultrasound; CBCT: cone-beam computed tomography; DECT: dual-energy computed tomography).

When a scaphoid fracture is clinically suspected based on combined test maneuvers and known demographic and anatomical risk factors, a proper series of x-rays is the first diagnostic test to be performed. If the results are negative, the most profitable strategy both from the socioeconomic and clinical outcome standpoint (more, if possible, in patients with high functional demand, such as athletes, manual workers, musicians etc.) is performing an MRI in the first hours after the trauma to rule out or confirm the fracture. If advanced imaging tests are not available, the risks posed by a delay in treatment result in an empirical immobilization of the wrist for 7 to 10 days (up to 2 weeks according to some studies) followed by a new clinical and radiological evaluation. If the clinical suspicion persists and the radiographs remain negative, the immobilization must be sustained, followed by a reevaluation in six weeks. After identifying a fracture, the attention must focus on its location and, most importantly, its displacement, which will determine the therapeutic plan. There is no real consensus on which measurements define a fracture as displaced or not and how to perform such measurements. In recent clinical trials, displacement is incompletely defined and inconsistently described, and mostly based on plain radiographic studies. Traditionally, a displaced fracture presents any of the following radiological criteria: scapholunate angle > 60°, a gap ≥ 1 mm, or a radiolunate angle > 15°.[3]

Displacement is only detected on plain radiographs in 20% of scaphoid fractures;[30] in addition, its magnitude is often much lower than the actual displacement observed during surgery. The most sensitive test for its correct assessment is CT, which also provides information on comminution and joint incongruity.[24] Therefore, a fracture detected on plain radiographs, especially if it is not displaced, must be confirmed with a CT scan. This test enables a more accurate evaluation of the displacement, a key factor in determining the conservative or surgical treatment of the fracture; in addition, it enables a good preoperative planning to define aspects such as the best approach, the appropriate osteosynthesis material etc.

Classification

In the last 70 years, a multitude of classifications for scaphoid fractures have been proposed based on their anatomical location, pattern or orientation, displacement, and even time since the injury, with considerable discrepancies among them. The most used classification systems[31] are the Herbert or modified Herbert ([Figure 2]), Russe ([Figure 3]), and Cooney et al (also known as the Mayo classification).

Fig. 2 Modified Hebert classification for scaphoid fractures (1996).

Fig. 3 Russe classification for scaphoid fractures (1960). 1. Oblique horizontal fracture 2. Transversal fracture 3. Oblique vertical fracture

In 1960, Russe[32] classified scaphoid fractures into horizontal oblique, transverse, and vertical oblique patterns based on the orientation of the fracture line. Oblique vertical fractures are deemed the most unstable due to the shear forces crossing the fracture line, whereas horizontal oblique and transverse fractures are less subject to displacement due to compressive forces.

Years later, in 1980, Cooney et al[33] (Mayo), distinguished stable and unstable fractures, considering the latter as those presenting displacement > 1 mm, scapholunate angle > 60°, capitolunate angle > 15°, intrascaphoid lateral angle > 35°; in addition, the injuries were classified as comminuted fractures and lunate fracture-dislocations.

Even though the Russe and Cooney classification systems are very popular, the most used system is, undoubtedly, the one proposed in 1984 by Herbert and Fisher.[34] This is an alphanumerical classification system with prognostic impact that considers the anatomical location of the fracture, its stability, and chronology. Based on these parameters, the fractures are divided into stable (type A), unstable (type B), delayed union (type C), and nonunion (type D). Type-A fractures include tubercle fractures (A1) and incomplete fractures of the scaphoid waist (A2). Type-B fractures include distal oblique fractures (B1), complete waist fractures (B2), proximal pole fractures (B3), trans-scapholunate fracture-dislocations (B4), and comminuted fractures (B5). The 1996 modified Herbert classification omits B5 fractures. Type-C fractures are those with delayed union, and type-D fractures are established nonunion injuries, either fibrous (D1) or sclerotic (D2).

Finally, in 1988, Prosser et al[35] observed that, up to that point, the literature had focused on waist fractures as they were the most frequent, paying little attention to the distal pole. Their work, although less relevant than the previous ones, proposed a classification for distal-pole fractures, distinguishing between tubercle fractures (type I), intra-articular compression fractures of the triscaphe (scaphotrapeziotrapezoid) joint (type II), with type IIA affecting the radial half of the distal scaphoid and type IIB affecting the ulnar half (a combination of types IIA and IIB results in a complex pattern, type IIC) and osteochondral fractures involving the medial border of the distal articular surface (type III).

The ultimate goal of all classifications is to differentiate stable and unstable fractures to determine the best treatment options for each of them. To date, all classifications have limited reliability, and there is no gold standard.

Treatment

When treating acute scaphoid fractures, the surgeon must consider several factors, including the time of diagnosis (early or late), fracture displacement, anatomical location, comminution, and the needs and expectations of the patient. Despite numerous publications on this subject, there is still controversy over which is the most appropriate therapeutic approach for selected types of fracture.

It is fully accepted that the best treatment for non-displaced tubercle fractures is immobilization, with union rates close to 100% in a mean period of approximately 8 weeks.[36] However, the best way to treat non-displaced fractures of the scaphoid distal pole and waist is still debated. Conservative treatment continues to be an appropriate, acceptable option for these fractures, since adequate immobilization can result in healing in 8 weeks in 90% of the cases.[17] [33] Nevertheless, some authors advocate the surgical treatment, which has been shown to reduce immobilization time, general costs, and delayed consolidation, in addition to resulting in better mobility outcomes and a faster return to work-related activities.[33] [37] In fact, some studies have observed that the surgical treatment is associated with a greater number of risks and complications compared to the conservative treatment, so the risks and long-term advantages of the surgical treatment of these stable fractures must be considered.[17]

For some time, another topic of debate has been whether or not a correct immobilization should include the thumb, if it should be limited only to the scaphoid wrist, or, alternatively, if it should be extended to the entire forearm, up to the elbow. Recent meta-analyzes and systematic reviews have shown that there is no benefit in immobilizing the forearm, elbow, or thumb.[38] Therefore, correct immobilization must be distal to the elbow, with the wrist in a functional position, not including the thumb.

For the conservative treatment, the recommendation is to evaluate the healing status of the fracture by CT, performing the first check-up 4 to 6 weeks after the beginning of the therapy. When consolidation is evident, the cast can be exchanged for a splint, followed by wrist rehabilitation. In contrast, if no consolidation is observed, the recommendation is to maintain immobilization and perform serial CT controls every 4 to 6 weeks until fracture union.[20] When the CT is not available, it is important to add a clinical assessment to the plain radiographs. In this case, the first review can be delayed to 8 weeks. A fracture is considered clinically healed when the wrist can be mobilized with no risk of compromising its definitive union.[39] Some studies have suggested that clinical healing occurs when the CT shows more than 50% of union of the fracture,[3] although the accuracy of this figure has not been confirmed, and some works estimate that a higher percentage is required.[40]

Displaced, angled, comminuted, unstable fractures (see the Cooney classification) and proximal pole fractures undoubtedly require surgical treatment. Fixation techniques have not stopped evolving from the rudimentary use of Kirschner wires (now reserved for exceptional situations) to the modern biodegradable screws currently employed in some studies, including traditional headed screws, headless compression screws, locked plates and cannulated headless compression screws. The improvement in osteosynthesis materials has enabled the development of minimally-invasive techniques that improve the clinical outcomes and considerably reduce the aggressiveness and morbidity of the classical open approaches. The most frequently used fixation method is the subchondral placement of a cannulated headless compression screw along the longitudinal axis of the scaphoid. Non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures can be treated with this technique using percutaneous approaches with very good outcomes ([Figure 4]).[41] In cases of extreme comminution or subacute fractures with bone resorption, the use of one compression screw instead of two screws or a plate is becoming popular to increase rotational stability. Although several biomechanical studies support this option, there are still not enough clinical data comparing such techniques.[42]

Fig. 4 Volar percutaneous osteosynthesis in a scaphoid fracture.

Among the percutaneous approaches, the volar and dorsal approaches are the most used. The volar percutaneous approach is usually recommended for osteosynthesis in non-displaced, minimally displaced, and displaced fractures that can be reduced by closed manipulation of the distal two thirds of the scaphoid.[43] For non-displaced or minimally displaced proximal pole fractures, the percutaneous dorsal approach is recommended. Although there are discrepancies on the advantages of each of these percutaneous approaches, a recent meta-analysis has found no differences in the incidence of complications, nonunion, postoperative pain, or in functional outcomes and grip strength when comparing the volar and dorsal screw placements. Since no clear advantages have been demonstrated in favor of one or the other, a good surgeon must be familiar with both approaches.[17] Regarding percutaneous osteosynthesis, technical developments are improving the precision of screw placement and minimizing surgical risks and complications. These include computer-assisted techniques,[44] robot-assisted techniques,[45] and custom-printed 3D templates for guide wires,[46] which are still in a virtually experimental phase, but will be widely used in the future. In contrast, an already widespread technique with proven benefits is arthroscopy-assisted osteosynthesis, which enables visual confirmation of the fracture and its reduction, and correct positioning of the percutaneous screws while facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of associated ligament or joint injuries.[47] Its main disadvantages are the greater technical difficulty and the additional equipment required.

Angulated, non-reducible, and/or comminuted fractures often require reduction and fixation using classic open approaches. Again, both the volar and dorsal approaches can be used. The volar approach has the theoretical advantage of preserving dorsal vascularization and providing good exposure of both the proximal and distal poles. Its main disadvantage is the need to divide the extrinsic carpal ligaments due to the risk of producing iatrogenic carpal instability. It is very important to spare these ligaments at wound closure.[9] [20] The open dorsal approach provides better exposure of the proximal two thirds of the scaphoid, enabling the visualization of the styloid and scaphoid radial fossae. However, the risk of damage to the vascularization of the dorsal scaphoid is higher, although no evidence suggests a higher rate of avascular necrosis compared to the volar approach.[20] The advantages of this approach include better access to the central axis of the bone for the precise positioning of the compression screws and the avoidance of injury to the volar carpal ligaments without compromising the stability.[2]

As in conservatively-treated fractures, the healing of surgically-treated fractures must be followed up through CT scans. Very few studies evaluate the degree of union required to enable the unrestricted use of the wrist when the fracture is stabilized using osteosynthesis material. It is known that clinical healing is achieved more quickly when load transmission is shared with the implant. Cadaveric studies by Guss et al[40] enable us to infer that the clinical healing of fractures treated with a compression screw is achieved with 50% of consolidation. Wrist arthroscopy can be used when the CT is not able to clearly demonstrate the status of the healing of the fracture or when there is doubt about its clinical stability.

Complications

The most frequent and fearsome complications of these fractures usually result from inadequate treatment due to diagnostic delays and the incorrect assessment of instability and/or displacement of the fracture, leading to pseudoarthrosis, osteonecrosis, posttraumatic osteoarthritis and even rupture of the flexor and extensor tendons.[3] The rate of nonunion in conservatively treated scaphoid fractures ranges from 5% to 10%, with higher figures in proximal pole fractures.

Delayed healing of the fracture (more than 16 weeks) after proper initial fixation is rare. In this case, avascular necrosis or implant loosening must be suspected. Avascular necrosis occurs in 13% to 50% of all scaphoid fractures, with a higher incidence in more proximal fractures. Some studies even reported up to 100% in fractures involving the proximal fifth of the bone.[3] [33] [34] Complications can occur with both the conservative and surgical treatments. Complications involving the cast immobilization include disuse atrophy, stiffness, osteoporosis, complex regional pain syndrome, and transient compressive neuropathies. The most important complications from the surgical treatment are mispositioning of the screw (with no proper fracture stabilization or with the screw protruding from the surfaces of the proximal or distal joints), osteonecrosis, misaligned union, pseudarthrosis, and need for implant removal. The rate of surgical complications ranges from 0% to 29%. In most studies, it is low,[3] although there is greater risk with open approaches.

Conclusions

Scaphoid fractures are the most frequent among carpal fractures, but they can be difficult to diagnose and treat due to anatomical and physiological characteristics of the scaphoid. The present article proposes a complete algorithm to diagnose scaphoid fractures based on the different availability of imaging modalities.

When suspecting a scaphoid fracture, the initial diagnostic approach must include plain radiographs. Furthermore, all studies emphasize the need to always combine several physical examination maneuvers. The initial radiographs may be negative, so, whenever possible, the patients with suspected occult scaphoid fractures must be submitted to advanced imaging tests, such as MRI or CT, within the first week after the injury. The best treatment for non-displaced tubercle fractures is immobilization, with union rates close to 100% in a mean time of approximately 8 weeks. The conservative treatment continues to be an appropriate, acceptable option for non-displaced fractures at the rest of the distal pole and the scaphoid waist. However, some authors advocate the surgical treatment, which has been shown to reduce the time and costs of immobilization, in addition to resulting in better clinical outcomes and quicker return to work-related activities. Displaced, angled, comminuted, unstable and proximal pole fractures must be treated surgically. The surgical technique and approach of choice will depend on the location, trajectory and comminution of the fracture, among other factors.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

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Publication History

Received: 01 April 2020

Accepted: 27 July 2020

Article published online:
24 November 2020