Hand, Wrist & Upper Limb
Scaphoid Fracture
Non-Operative management
About Your Injury
The scaphoid is a small boat-shaped bone on the thumb side of the wrist. It is commonly fractured after a fall onto an outstretched hand. Because the scaphoid's blood supply enters from one end, some fractures are at higher risk of poor healing, which is why treatment and follow-up are more structured than for many other wrist fractures.
Non-Operative Management
Scaphoid fractures can often be safely and effectively managed without surgery, particularly when undisplaced. The decision is individualised to each patient, based on patient factors (age, comorbidities, occupation) and specific characteristics of the fracture (location, displacement, blood supply).
Recovery Timeline
Weeks 0–6
Thumb spica (scaphoid) cast, keeping the wrist and thumb immobilised.
Weeks 6–8
Repeat X-ray, and often a CT scan, to confirm bony union before the cast is removed.
Weeks 8–12
Gradual return of wrist and thumb movement once union is confirmed.
3–6 months
Progressive return of grip strength and full function.
Follow-Up Schedule
6 weeks
Clinical review with repeat imaging (X-ray ± CT) to check for union. Further imaging is arranged if union is not yet confirmed, with the cast continued.
3 months
Final review once union is confirmed and movement/strength are returning.
Nonunion
Nonunion means the fracture fails to heal. It is a frustrating complication of scaphoid fractures, and one that is more common here than in most other wrist fractures because of the bone's limited blood supply. We monitor for it with X-rays, and often CT, through your follow-up appointments, and a decision about whether the bone is healing as expected is usually made around the 3-month mark. To reduce the risk: follow the cast/immobilisation protocol closely, including the duration advised, maintain a healthy, balanced diet to support bone healing, and avoid all nicotine intake — the single biggest modifiable risk factor for nonunion.