Does fracture casting treat a scaphoid fracture?

The scaphoid is a small wrist bone on the thumb side. A suitable cast may include the wrist and thumb to reduce movement across the fracture. Some fractures are difficult to see on an early X-ray, so ongoing pain in the hollow at the base of the thumb after a fall deserves reassessment even if the first image was reassuring. The fracture's location and blood supply can affect healing. A displaced fracture, a fracture that fails to heal, or an injury with concerning imaging findings may need a hand specialist and an operation rather than casting alone.

Wear the cast as directed and keep it dry. Do not use the injured hand for gripping, lifting or sports unless cleared. Keep the hand elevated when swollen and move exposed fingers gently. Attend imaging and specialist reviews because pain can settle before the bone is fully healed. Once the cast is removed, rebuild wrist and thumb movement gradually; returning to forceful gripping too soon can strain the healing area.

Seek urgent care for increasing pain or pressure, numbness, pale or blue fingers, cold fingers, or difficulty moving them. Contact the clinic about a cracked, wet or loose cast, skin irritation, fever, drainage or a new unpleasant smell. Persistent thumb-side wrist tenderness after immobilisation should be reported, especially before returning to sport or manual work.

Ask where the fracture is, whether the cast includes the thumb, what imaging will confirm healing, how long gripping is restricted, and when a hand specialist is needed. Ask which exercises are safe after immobilisation.