Joe A Shaw PA-C - 3/24/2009

Question
OK, so I fractured the scaphiod in Jan of 08, casted until May. Had several MRI's, CT's and X-rays. I am still in pain, have limited use of my hand and my dr says there is no good treatment to repair it. All I want is relief from the pain and the ability to put weight on my hand, vacuum, open jars and possibly golf again. I am a 48 year old female, relatively good health, other than controlled Lupus and I am not a quitter. I do not want to "deal" with the pain nor do I want to wait until I can't take it any more. I'm in MI and I would really like some answers.

Thank you,
Gloria

Answer
Gloria,
Unfortunately, this sometimes occurs with scaphoid or navicular fractures..even if the treatment was the best. Due to the rather unique blood supply of this funny shaped little bone in our wrist,the blood supply gets compromised and bone death AVN (avascular necrosis)sets in...some scaphoid fxs are more prone to this than others.
You may find some relief with a good wrist support or the Active cold/hot wrist wrap.
http://www.carpal-tunnel-symptoms.com/ice-wraps.html

Regardless you now may have to look at fusion or implants. Implants will be out of scope for most ortho surgeons so you will need to find a hand ortho who has done these procedures. I found a link for you and the author was/is? from MI..so you may be in luck.
Take care.

 http://www.wmt.com/Downloads/CaseStudies/Extremities/Scaphoid-Swanson.pdf