How do i know if i have a scaphoid fracture?

Accidents happen. At some point in life, everyone has gone through a painful fall or bump the wrong way while playing basketball (or any sport of their choosing). However, not all pain is created equal. Some pains are Haribo-levels-of-sweet while others cause deep discomfort and hurt worse than the person who held Subway sandwich Jared’s place when he became irredeemable.

One such injury that causes more annoyance and problems than most is a scaphoid fracture. If you do end up suspecting one, there are signs to look out for to confirm it.

What exactly is a Scaphoid?

Before we delve deeper into how to spot the signs of our protagonist:scaphoid fracture, here’s some information about what exactly happens when someone fractures their scaphoid bone.

The other name for this tricky small bone buried snugly beneath the outer wrist surface is quite romantic – Os naviculare (try saying that 10 times fast) from its supposed resemblance to a boat called navicularis.

Considered among ‘carpal bones,’ together with lunate, triquetral,and pisiform amongst others- fate has made it be perpendicular like two bricks stacked atop each other as seen on an X-ray scan image .

Understanding What Causes A Scaphoid Fracture

Fractures occur due to repeated pressure upon falling,supporting oneself with hands outstretched,fighting/sports injuries ,and activities like inline skating or skateboarding which make unpredictable terrain more complex lest you think sitting in front of Computer typing this ain’t equally dangerous where RSI seemingly waits round every corner.

A Snazzy list below so casual readers don’t miss anything mind-blowing:

  • Direct blow/thumb jamming
  • Falling/slipping which can cause impact on either elbow/hands
  • High-force impact accidents like in a car crash
  • Sports activities that require repeated use of wrists for support or can lead to falls

Do You Suspect you’ve Fractured Your Scaphoid?

The following characteristics could indicate that your wrist’s scaphoid has been compromised.

Pain and Swelling

Fractures cause sharp pain around the thumb side of proximal wrist, with swelling felt. Can be tricky as contrary to conventional layout,pain is not centralized on the area but feels scattered while bruised.

In some cases (especially if fracture isn’t painful enough),there are also areas where it travels across over time (avoid future juggling/contortions). Pressing upon between base of thumb and bones known collectively as wrist Navicular shows mild musculoskeletal tender ness.

Pins & Needles Sensations

Depending upon fascial compartments affected by injury intermittently one gets sensations such as evoked via cold ,therefore keeping hands down is always helpful until medically treated otherwise. Don’t trigger it without reason because nerve pain rivals toothache discomfort levels albeit less likely to leave you crawling under blanket regretting every choice that led you there!

Redness

At times injury causes redness radiating from the spot primarily affected thus being extra cautious isn’t nonsense. Initially referred along entire length of finger,red patch spreads quickly upto nine digits . Is due to increased circulation caused by inflammation raging beneath skin surface thanks broken bone ends rubbing against each other which irritates soft tendons/nerves etc creating something akin matchbox meets lighter effect.

What To Expect During A Diagnosis Appointment

That list just ruined everything simple we thought about fractures right? But knowing a little more than everyone else means saving yourself unnecessary heartaches possibly leading towards going straight into ER medical emergency appointment.

These appointments usually take anywhere within half an hour (lucky ones need less,you know who they are) up-to full hour depending upon factor(s) mentioned above. If anything side effect wise is unbearable, it’s better to call emergency route instead of waiting hours in hope something positive turns up!

Medical History and Physical Exam

Your doctor would begin with asking detailed questions about underlying medical conditions if there are any,medication challenges, past injuries, symptoms presenting currently.

Once your answers have been tabulated,there’ll be physical wrist check by feeling around said area looking for tenderness via gentle pressure or manipulations pressed alongside swelling/bruising on wrist’s dorsal side (not the bashful animal one).

X-ray Test

Most patient will immediately be sent for x-rays when cases involving suspected scaphoid fractures are suspected.Essential on emergency basis ,can take pictures from various angles. A [hilarious mandatory joke that doctors share among themselves goes like this- “8 out 10 patients feel like am collecting fee to send them radiation test room where they get xray’d but in return gain no super powers”]

But rest assured,no harm is caused through basic scans!

MRI Test

In some cases,a diagnosis might require a deeper look than what an X-ray might discern . Thusly ->Magnetic Resonance Images /MRI can reveal soft-tissue damage etc

Less comical anecdote/practical example: being able to view bone end location thus helping physicians/guardians pin down appropriate method/route of treatment. In other circumstances,MRI assist when doctor remains unsure as still bloody painful!

Conclusion

Long story short: Scaphoid fractures aren’t black-and-white issues when it comes to spotting their signs,but we’ve shown you how great you were pre-breakage so spot differences now only slight!

Nowadays healing periods tend closer towards speedier recovery time thanks superior advances happening in technology world over the years which protect people longer.

Better safe than sorry right? When in doubt – always consult a medical expert!

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