Scaphoid xray: Hi as if i haven't got enough to contend... - NRAS

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Scaphoid xray

FINNlin profile image
13 Replies

Hi as if i haven't got enough to contend with had a fall in work this week went to hospital had stay showed no fracture but was told it may be a scaphoid fracture have a appointment to see someone in a different hospital hand is strapped up can anyone tell me if they can pick it up a week later??plz

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FINNlin profile image
FINNlin
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13 Replies
Lorraine_NRAS profile image
Lorraine_NRAS

Hi

I've just been looking at this website assh.org/handcare/hand-arm-... and this mentions the following:

"Diagnosis

Scaphoid fractures are usually diagnosed by an x-ray of the wrist; however, x-rays do not always show scaphoid fractures. A break in the bone that cannot be seen on x-ray yet is called an “occult” fracture. If you are tender directly over the scaphoid bone (which is located in the hollow at the thumb side of the wrist as shown in Figure 2), your health care provider might recommend wearing a splint to be safe. If pain persists, a follow-up exam and x-ray in a week or two can be used to diagnose.

A CT scan, bone scan or MRI may also be used to diagnosis the fracture."

I understand this to mean that a follow up x-ray may well show this.

Best wishes

Lorraine

FINNlin profile image
FINNlin in reply to Lorraine_NRAS

Thank you for your reply it is appreciateďx

Boarderwoz profile image
Boarderwoz in reply to FINNlin

Hi, I would also get them to check you haven't damaged your Schaph-Lunate ligament which wouldn't necessarily be picked up on an X-ray either. You would need an MRI to pick it up. It's something often missed but can cause problems down the line.

FINNlin profile image
FINNlin in reply to Boarderwoz

I've had to retire as I have oesteoarthitis right through my body and oesteoarthitis and oesteoporosis in the spine

JacquiThomas999 profile image
JacquiThomas999

This is normal procedure. Scaphoid fractures take about 10 days to show up on xray. It is important that you follow it up. The scaphoid has the blood supply for the thumb going through it and you don't want to risk stopping that.

I saw a lot of possible scaphoid fractures when I was active in St John Ambulance.

I hope that it goes okay.

FINNlin profile image
FINNlin in reply to JacquiThomas999

I have oesteoarthitis in the thumb ,hand and fingers 😔

earthwitch profile image
earthwitch

I had a scaphoid fracture years ago that didn't show up on xray done within 24 hours, but did show up several days later. Its something to do with it being such a hairline break in an awkward place to image properly, so its actually the healing process with new bone being formed that eventually shows up. In the end they didn't do anything more once they had seen the fracture than they did initially - just a kind of splint to help keep it comfortable.

FINNlin profile image
FINNlin

- Thanksfor the info I will have to wait and hopefully its not bad news knowing my luck it will bex

craigsif profile image
craigsif

Hi sorry about accident, yes they can see the problem a week later, the scaphoid is the only bone shaped like a bone in the body,your not going to like this bit!! It has a very poor blood supply, so they need to make sure it healing correctly otherwise they will break it and re-aline it. By now your eyes are on stalks, Don't worry its all done under while your fast asleep. Once it's healed your need physio, keep at it I used a power ball, it works. Warmest Craig

FINNlin profile image
FINNlin in reply to craigsif

Thank you what a lovely reply appreciated though I hope its not going to have to come to that.

gillpalmer profile image
gillpalmer

They took two weeks to find my second one as it did not show up at first.

cliffhopper profile image
cliffhopper

It usually takes 10-14 days for scaphoid fractures to be visible on xrays, they can't be seen until the bone starts to resorb at the fracture site as part of the healing process, sometimes they are only visible on MRI scans. Very frustrating I know, but on the plus side a lot of suspected scaphoid fractures turn out to be nothing. I hope it goes the right way for you.

FINNlin profile image
FINNlin

Well I had the splint on now for four weeks been aching went to the hospital disgusted by the doctor I saw a young woman she got me to take the splint off myself cos I hadn't taken it off for week before she looked at my wrist made feel dirty made me wash in front of everybody never felt so low.Then she took one look at the xray from ebbw vale didn't do another told me she couldn't find anything on there told it hurt she turned and said I might have done something to the bone.Her advice wear the splint for a month not to go back she did say to go back to work then told me to rest it I'm totally disgusted.

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