Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Undisplaced scaphoid waist fractures: is 4 weeks’ immobilisation in a below-elbow cast sufficient if a week 4 CT scan suggests fracture union?

2009; SAGE Publishing; Volume: 34; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1177/1753193409105189

2043-6289

John Geoghegan, Michael J. Woodruff, Ramya Bhatia, James S Dawson, R. W. Kerslake, Nicholas Downing, J. A. ONI, Tim Davis,

Bone fractures and treatments

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.