title: Non-operative treatment of non-displaced scaphoid fractures may be preferred.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the outcome of non-displaced scaphoid fractures treated with 6 weeks of cast immobilisation, and to establish whether the benefits of non-operative treatment might outweigh those of early operation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective study analysed 89 consecutive cases of scaphoid fracture treated at our institution between 2004 and 2007. Diagnosis and treatment methods and complication rates were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 71 non-displaced scaphoid fractures, >80% showed clinical consolidation after 6 weeks of cast immobilisation, and the remaining cases after 8-12 weeks. Two cases needed a longer period of cast immobilisation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A restricted period of cast immobilisation is usually adequate for the treatment of non-displaced scaphoid fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma Surgery, Medical Centre Haaglanden, The Hague, Netherlands. rhemrev@mchaaglanden.nl
authors.forename: Steven J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Rhemrev
authors.forename: Roderick H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: van Leerdam
authors.forename: Daan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ootes
authors.forename: Frank J P
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Beeres
authors.forename: Sven A G
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Meylaerts