What to expect from fracture fixation surgery for scaphoid fracture

The scaphoid is a small wrist bone with a blood supply that varies across the bone. The surgeon places fixation through a carefully planned approach to stabilise the break and support union. Imaging helps assess position and healing. A splint or cast may protect the wrist and thumb after the operation.

Pain, swelling, thumb stiffness, and reduced wrist movement can occur at first. A fracture may feel better before it is strong enough for gripping, pushing from a chair, lifting, or sport.

Keep the dressing or cast dry, elevate the hand for swelling, and take medicines only as directed. Move the fingers and elbow if permitted, but avoid forceful gripping, leaning through the hand, and lifting. Attend imaging reviews even when symptoms are improving.

Hand therapy may begin with movement of areas outside the protected wrist, then progress to wrist and thumb mobility and strengthening. Your surgeon decides when loading and return to work, driving, climbing, or sport are appropriate.

Contact the team for worsening pain, increasing redness, drainage, fever, cast problems, or swelling that is not settling. Get urgent help for new severe numbness, blue or cold fingers, inability to move the fingers, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.

Ask where the scaphoid is broken, why fixation is recommended, how long a cast or splint may be needed, and what imaging will confirm healing. Discuss thumb movement, therapy, work and driving limits, hardware, and symptoms that require an urgent call.