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- Title
Undisplaced scaphoid waist fractures: is 4 weeks’ immobilisation in a below-elbow cast sufficient if a week 4 CT scan suggests fracture union?
- Authors
GEOGHEGAN, J. M.; WOODRUFF, M. J.; BHATIA, R.; DAWSON, J. S.; KERSLAKE, R. W.; DOWNING, N. D.; ONI, J. A.; DAVIS, T. R. C.
- Abstract
This prospective study investigated a cohort of 59 scaphoid waist fractures which were treated nonoperatively in a below-elbow plaster cast for 4 weeks and then underwent a Week 4 CT scan to assess displacement and progress to union. Forty-three were classed as undisplaced and 37 of these 43 were also classed as ‘united’. All the 37 undisplaced and ‘united’ fractures united with up to 8 weeks’ cast immobilisation, including 26 which were taken out of plaster at 4 weeks and mobilised. We conclude that scaphoid waist fractures which appear to be undisplaced and united on a week 4 CT scan will unite, and may not need to be immobilised in a plaster cast for more than 4 weeks. Such a treatment policy may reduce the period of disability and time off work associated with nonoperative treatment.
- Subjects
SCAPHOID bone; BONE fractures; CARPAL bones; CARPUS (Animal anatomy); BONES; WOUNDS &; injuries
- Publication
Journal of Hand Surgery (17531934), 2009, Vol 34, Issue 5, p631
- ISSN
1753-1934
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1177/1753193409105189