Scaphoid fracture - middle third

Case contributed by Leonardo Lustosa
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Motorcycle accident. Polytrauma patient. Discrete deformity of the 4th finger of the right hand.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Radiographs revealed no fractures or dislocation of the 4th finger. However, a middle third fracture of the scaphoid was noted.

Case Discussion

Although the patient did initially focus her complaints on the 4th finger, a scaphoid fracture was noted on the radiographs.

Physical examination was then performed again, and on further inspection, the patient did present moderate pain on scaphoid palpation.

It is important to recognize which segment of the scaphoid is fractured, as the location of the fracture is related to the risk of avascular necrosis and patient management options.

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