Scaphoid injuries

What is a scaphoid injury?

The scaphoid is a bone in the palm of your hand. It can be injured by simply falling onto an outstretched hand. Symptoms of a scaphoid injury typically include pain and tenderness in the area just below the base of the thumb.

You may have a clinic appointment made 10-14 days after you were first seen in A&E to re x-ray your hand and wrist to check your progress.

Whilst your injury is healing your hand and wrist will be placed in a removable splint.

Swelling and bruising at the injury site is normal. Simple, over the counter painkillers and applying ice to the area will help to reduce swelling and pain. Ice should be applied, wrapped in a tea

towel, for 20 minutes three to four times a day.

You should:

• Keep the splint on at all times even at night. It can be removed for hygiene reasons.
• Keep your fingers moving while wearing the splint to prevent them becoming stiff.
• Elevate your hand in the days following your injury to help prevent swelling.
• Remove any rings or jewellery on the affected hand.

You should not:

• Take part in any physical contact sports, as guided by your consultant at your clinic appointment.
• Miss your clinic appointment if this has been requested.

Please remember:

Please contact your GP if your condition is not improving, or if your pain relief is not adequate. If your condition is worsening please contact the multi-professional fracture clinic, call call 01223 348299 or call 01223 257095.

For more information please visit the fracture information website (opens in a new tab).

For any concerns on wounds email CUH fracture information.

Please include your hospital number and any photos of your wounds that you would like to be reviewed.