Scaphoid Wrist Fracture: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Last updated: February 7, 2026Reviewed date: February 7, 2026Reading time: 2 min read

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Scaphoid or Navicular fracture is a medical condition that occurs with the breakage of one or more of the small bones present in the wrist and the base of the thumb. The wrist joint is formed where the two bones of the forearm namely ulna and radius meet the eight small sized carpal bones. The carpals are placed in two rows at the base of the hand. The scaphoid is one of these carpal bones which is located at the base of the thumb. Most scaphoid fractures occur in the middle portion of the bone.

The Scaphoid Fracture can be classified into:

Displaced– When the bone pieces dislocate from their normal position
Non-Displaced– The bone pieces are properly aligned in spite of breakage

Causes

Fall on an outstretched hand
Vehicular accidents
Sports injuries
Twisting and turning of the wrist
Direct blow to the wrist

Symptoms

Pain in the thumb
Swelling
pain when an area is touched or pressed. সহজ বাংলা: চাপ দিলে ব্যথা।" data-rx-term="tenderness" data-rx-definition="Tenderness means pain when an area is touched or pressed. সহজ বাংলা: চাপ দিলে ব্যথা।">Tenderness
Bruising, discoloration and redness
Pain may aggravate while trying to grasp an object
Deformation of the wrist joint
Loss of sensation
Restricted range of motion
A feeling of warmth in the hand and forearm

Diagnosis

Physical examination of the injured wrist
Evaluation of the cause of the injury and symptoms experienced by the patient
Analysis of the patient’s medical history
X-ray imaging may be required to assess the extent of damage to the joint and displacement of bone fragments
CT scan or MRI may be conducted to diagnose soft tissue injuries

Treatment

The wrist doctor may use a splint or cast to restrict the movement of the forearm and hand
Prescription of pain killers and infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory medicines to provide relief from the symptoms
Resting the injured wrist, application of ice packs, compression with a bandage and elevation of the arm may also help to ease pain
Lifting weights, participating in sports and doing activities that may stress the joint should be avoided
Bone stimulator may be used to deliver electromagnetic waves to aid healing
Surgery may be recommended in case of a displaced fracture. Arthroscopic surgery may be performed to put the bone fragments back in place. Artificial implants such as screws, wires and pins may be used to hold the bone.
A specific set of exercises suggested by a physical therapist may help restore motion and prevent stiffness in the wrist.

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