Sports Medicine: Scaphoid Fracture

The scaphoid is one of 8 carpal bones located in the wrist. A scaphoid fracture is a break of the scaphoid bone. 

Overview
Signs & Symptoms
Treatment
Prevention
Getting Help

What Is a Scaphoid Fracture?

The scaphoid is one of 8 carpal bones located in the wrist. A scaphoid fracture is a break of the scaphoid bone. The break usually happens from a fall on an outstretched hand. The scaphoid bone has a poor blood supply and is at higher risk of not healing as a result.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms?

  • severe pain at the time of injury
  • pain, tenderness, swelling and bruising around the fracture site on the thumb side of the wrist
  • loss of motion in the wrist

Increased Risk

  • contact or jumping sports (football, soccer, basketball, boxing and wrestling)
  • sports in which falling onto an outstretched hand is common (snowboarding, skiing and rollerblading)

How Is a Scaphoid Fracture Treated?

  • Medicine
    • Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®) may be recommended. Take these as directed by your health care provider.
    • Other minor pain relivers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®), may be used.
  • Use of cold
    • Cold should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours and after any activity that makes symptoms worse. Use ice packs or an ice massage.
  • Orthopedic aids
    • A cast may be used to protect the bones while healing for 4 to 8 weeks. Depending on the sport and position, a brace or splint may be recommended when returning to sports.
  • Surgery
    • Surgery may be needed for fractures that occur in the part of the bone with poor blood supply or for fractures that do not heal properly.

How To Prevent

  • Maintain suitable conditioning, forearm and wrist strength, flexibility and endurance.
  • Wear proper protective equipment for the hand for all contact sports.
  • For sports in which falling is likely, wear properly fitted wrist protectors.
  • Use proper technique when hitting, punching and landing from a fall.
  • If you have had a previous injury, use tape or padding to protect your hand before doing contact or jumping sports.

When To Call the Doctor

Call your health care provider or the Sports Medicine team at 614-355-6000 if:

  • pain, tenderness or swelling gets worse despite treatment
  • pain, tingling, numbness, discoloring or coldness develops in the hand
  • new, unexplained symptoms develop 

Sports Medicine: Scaphoid Fracture (PDF)

HH-I-501 | Copyright 2021, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

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