About Scaphoid Fracture ORIF
A scaphoid fracture is a break in one of the small bones of the wrist, located near the base of the thumb. It often occurs from a fall onto an outstretched hand and is one of the most common carpal bone fractures. Fractures can be slow to heal and may lead to complications if not treated properly due to the limited blood supply of the scaphoid.
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a surgical treatment performed to restore the scaphoid bone’s stability and alignment and enable proper healing. ORIF is used when a scaphoid fracture is displaced, unstable, or not healing with non-surgical treatment. This procedure aligns the broken bone and stabilizes it with a small screw or pin, promoting faster and more complete healing.
About the Procedure
Scaphoid ORIF is typically performed under regional or general anesthesia. The steps include:
- Making a small incision over the wrist to access the scaphoid bone
- Carefully repositioning (reducing) the fractured pieces into proper alignment
- Securing the bone with a surgical screw or pin to hold it in place
- Closing the incision with sutures and applying a protective dressing or splint
This internal fixation helps stabilize the bone, allowing it to heal more reliably and reducing the risk of long-term complications such as nonunion or arthritis.
Aftercare
Recovery after scaphoid ORIF focuses on healing the bone while restoring wrist function. The general aftercare plan includes:
- Immobilization: You may need to wear a cast or splint for several weeks to protect the wrist.
- Pain management: Ice, rest, and medications can help relieve discomfort in the days following surgery.
- Follow-up imaging: X-rays or CT scans may be used to confirm bone healing.
Physical therapy: Once healing is underway, a rehabilitation plan will help you regain motion, strength, and flexibility in your wrist.
FAQs
Scaphoid fractures can be serious due to the bone’s limited blood supply. Without proper treatment, they may not heal completely and can lead to long-term pain, reduced wrist function, or arthritis.
You should see a doctor if you have wrist pain after a fall, especially near the base of your thumb. Early diagnosis is important, as scaphoid fractures may not always show up clearly on initial X-rays and can worsen without treatment.
If treated non-surgically, immobilization may be required for 6–12 weeks or longer, depending on the location and severity of the fracture. After ORIF surgery, the immobilization period may be shorter due to the added stability from internal fixation.
Not always. Stable, non-displaced fractures may heal with casting alone. However, surgery is often recommended for displaced fractures, those that aren’t healing on their own, or in patients who need a quicker return to activity.
Bone healing typically occurs over 8–12 weeks following ORIF. Return to sports or high-demand activities may take 3–6 months, depending on your healing progress and rehab plan.
