ABSTRACT
This injury usually occurs by a fall on the outstretched hand. Pain and tenderness will appear at the anatomical snuff box of the thumb. X-rays could appear negative during the first 2 weeks. A bone scan is positive as early as 48 hours following the injury. The treatment will consist of a plaster cast to be kept on for 6 weeks. On removal of the plaster cast, X-rays are required to confirm healing, since a non-union is a significant risk in this type of fracture and this will lead to avascular necrosis of the proximal scaphoid. Scaphoid non-unions can be dealt with surgically.
