About Scaphoid Fracture
Key Highlights
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Restores wrist stability and function, crucial for hand mobility.Promotes proper bone healing to prevent long-term complications like non-union or avascular necrosis.Reduces the risk of post-traumatic arthritis in the wrist joint.Allows for earlier mobilization and return to daily activities compared to prolonged casting alone.Performed by specialized orthopedic surgeons with expertise in hand and wrist trauma.
Who is this surgery for?
- Displaced or unstable scaphoid fracture where bone fragments are not aligned.
- Fracture non-union (failure to heal after an adequate period of immobilization).
- Associated injuries in the wrist, such as ligament tears or other carpal fractures.
- Proximal pole fractures, which have a high risk of poor blood supply and non-healing.
- Fractures in active individuals or athletes requiring a more predictable and faster recovery.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including physical exam and imaging (X-rays, possibly CT or MRI).
- Discussion of medical history, allergies, and current medications with the surgical team.
- Pre-operative tests such as blood work and ECG may be required.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before surgery if general or regional anesthesia is planned.
- Arranging for assistance at home and time off work for the initial recovery period.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or in the bone (osteomyelitis).
- Nerve or blood vessel damage, leading to numbness, tingling, or circulation issues.
- Failure of the fracture to heal (non-union) or delayed union.
- Avascular necrosis (bone death) due to compromised blood supply to the scaphoid.
- Stiffness, loss of motion, or persistent pain in the wrist.
- Hardware irritation, requiring possible future removal of screws or pins.
- Risks associated with anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial immobilization in a splint or cast for several weeks to protect the surgical repair.
- Elevation of the hand to reduce swelling and pain management as prescribed.
- Gradual initiation of guided physiotherapy to restore wrist range of motion and strength.
- Regular follow-up appointments and imaging to monitor bone healing progress.
- Avoidance of heavy lifting, contact sports, and strenuous activity with the hand until cleared by the surgeon.
- Full recovery and return to all activities may take several months, depending on healing.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 8-12 weeks for initial healing; 4-6 months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering scaphoid fracture in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for scaphoid fracture in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform scaphoid fracture. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for scaphoid fracture compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 50 Thousand – 200 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 8-12 weeks for initial healing; 4-6 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 175 Thousand – 700 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 8-12 weeks for initial healing; 4-6 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Scaphoid Fracture in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing scaphoid fracture.
Ayaan Nair, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Ayaan Nair, a 28-year-old software engineer and weekend cricket enthusiast, fell while fielding a ball, landing directly on his outstretched right hand. He experienced immediate, sharp pain in his 'anatomical snuffbox' at the base of his thumb. Initial X-rays in the ER were read as 'no fracture,' so he was sent home with a wrist splint. However, the deep, aching pain and swelling persisted for two weeks, making typing at work agonizing. His primary care doctor, concerned about a 'scaphoid fracture,' referred him to an orthopedic specialist. A follow-up MRI confirmed a non-displaced scaphoid waist fracture. The orthopedist explained that due to the bone's poor blood supply, a cast alone carried a high risk of non-union. He recommended a minimally invasive procedure: percutaneous screw fixation. Ayaan was anxious about surgery but understood the long-term risks of not treating it properly. The procedure was quick, done under regional anesthesia. He woke with a small bandage and a removable splint. Recovery involved strict hand therapy. After six weeks of diligent rehab, he regained nearly full range of motion and strength. Emotionally, he transitioned from initial frustration and anxiety about a missed diagnosis and potential career impact, to immense relief and empowerment after the successful, definitive treatment allowed him to confidently return to both work and sport.
Orthopedists for Scaphoid Fracture
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform scaphoid fracture and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 48 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 28 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore