Does fracture fixation surgery treat a scaphoid fracture?

The scaphoid is a small wrist bone that helps connect wrist movement across the hand and forearm. Its fracture location, alignment, stability, and blood supply influence treatment. A cast may be suitable for a well-aligned injury, while fixation with a screw or another device may be advised for displacement, instability, selected fracture locations, or healing that is not progressing. Even after the bone is stabilised, the wrist usually needs protection and gradual rehabilitation. Pain can settle before the bone is strong enough for impact or heavy gripping.

Keep the wrist in its splint or cast and avoid lifting, forceful gripping, and falls onto the hand. Arrange assessment after wrist pain or tenderness following an injury, even if initial movement is possible. Imaging may need specialist review. If fixation is performed, keep the wound protected, follow the immobilisation plan, and attend checks before increasing wrist use or returning to sport.

Seek urgent help if the hand becomes cold, pale, blue, numb, or difficult to move, or if swelling and pain rapidly intensify under a cast. Report a damaged or wet cast, new trauma, or sudden loss of support. After surgery, fever, increasing redness, discharge, wound separation, or worsening pain needs prompt contact with the treating team.

Ask where the scaphoid is broken, whether the pieces are aligned, and how the blood supply affects healing. Clarify whether a cast or fixation is recommended, how long the wrist must be protected, which imaging will confirm healing, and when gripping, driving, work, or sport can be resumed.