title: Scaphoid fractures.
abstract: The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured of the eight carpal wrist bones. The mechanism of injury is usually from a fall on the outstretched hand. Initial radiographs may not identify a scaphoid fracture. A high index of suspicion given to these biomechanics and the physical findings will assist in the identification of this fracture. Certain fractures of the scaphoid are at high risk of avascular necrosis and nonunion requiring splinting and orthopedic referral of suspected fractures to assist in preventing such complications.
authors.affiliation: Robert Morris University, Moon Township, PA 15108, USA. ramponi@rmu.edu
authors.forename: Denise R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Ramponi
mesh_terms: D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D021361:Scaphoid Bone / Q000293:injuries*