The significance of the optimal and timely diagnosis and treatment of a scaphoid fracture

Authors

  • Gordon Nigel Fish

Keywords:

diagnostic imaging, radiography education, research

Abstract

This case report discusses the importance of optimal and timely diagnosis which impacts on the treatment of a patient with a scaphoid fracture. The scaphoid is a ‘boat’- shaped carpal bone that articulates with the distal radius, trapezium, and capitate. A delay in diagnosis may lead to a variety of adverse outcomes such as non-union, delayed union, decreased grip strength, decreased range of motion, and osteoarthritis of the radiocarpal joint [1- 5]. A fracture of a scaphoid is easily misdiagnosed due to its minute size and vague clinical symptoms. To avoid a variety of severe adverse outcomes it is necessary for early recognition and diagnosis which should result in the necessary treatment for fast healing of the fracture [5].

Author Biography

Gordon Nigel Fish

3rd year Student CUT of the Free State

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Published

2009-04-29

Issue

Section

Case Reports