This direction of flow is found in most bones in the arms and legs, with the blood running from the part of the bone that is closest to the body to the part of the bone that is closest to the fingers or toes. Throughout the body, blood runs from the heart to the extremities (arms and legs) - from close to the body (proximal) to the fingers and toes (distal). The red arrows indicate the location of the anatomic snuffbox.Īs mentioned above, the scaphoid has a poor blood supply. Photograph and X-ray showing the location of the scaphoid in the wrist. Often referred to as the "anatomic snuffbox," this area is typically where you feel the most tenderness or pain when a scaphoid fracture occurs. It is located at the base of the hollow made by the thumb tendons on the back of the wrist. The scaphoid bone can most easily be identified when your thumb is held in a "hitch-hiking" or "thumbs-up" position. Smooth and unrestricted (free) motion of the scaphoid is necessary to allow for optimal motion of the wrist. The scaphoid is especially important to wrist function because it links the proximal row of carpal bones (the bones closer to the radius and ulna) to the distal row of carpal bones (the bones closer to the fingers). The word "scaphoid" comes from the Greek term for "boat." The scaphoid bone resembles a boat with its relatively long and curved shape. The bone is important for both motion and stability of the wrist joint. The scaphoid bone is one of the carpal bones on the thumb side of the wrist, just above the radius. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2010. Reproduced from JF Sarwark, ed: Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, ed 4. The scaphoid is one of the small carpal bones in the wrist. Matthew Drake, MD, please use our online tool or call or text our office at 81.Normal anatomy of the hand and wrist. If the wrist is sore after a fall, be concerned, and get it checked out! However, the essential part for me is to have the opportunity to perform an expert evaluation. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my practice is to help patients treat problems in a simple, practical fashion leading to good outcomes. Many times, the initial x-ray will not even show a fracture, therefore a cast should be applied and a follow up needs to occur in two weeks to determine best next steps. If there is tenderness over the scaphoid bone, x-rays should be taken. These problems are usually preventable! If a wrist injury occurs, particularly in the young athletic male age group, medical evaluation is advised. If the scaphoid does not heal, long term problems of wrist arthritis are sure to develop. If even a one -month delay occurs before treatment begins, the risk of the bone not healing or requiring a much more invasive surgery goes up significantly. Once the bone heals, the usual outcome is no long -term problems. If recognized right away, most scaphoid fractures will heal in a cast or with a minor procedure to place a screw inside the bone. The scaphoid bone has a difficult time healing due to poor blood supply, it’s just the way we are built. This is the most common location for a fracture. Illustration and x-ray showing a break in the mid-portion, or “waist,” of the scaphoid. However, if the scaphoid bone was broken and not treated, trouble is on the horizon. The initial symptoms are wrist pain and swelling, which does improve with time. Teenage boys and young men engaging in sports often break this bone after a hard fall at play. The scaphoid is a small peanut shaped bone in the wrist. A common issue I see in my practice is the scaphoid non-union. Drake, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeonīumps and bruises can often feel like minor issues that don’t require medical attention, however sometimes that is not the case.
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