Delayed scaphoid fracture and diagnosis

[wheresmolly]

So I had an accident four months ago and injured my hand in a fall. Very swollen and bruised, had x-rays the same day (no fracture apparently) and sent home in a splint and told to take it easy, take paracetamol, etc. 6 weeks later I was still in agony so had another x-ray and was given the same advice. I am now no further forward and the pain is getting worse day by day and this is 4 months now after I did it. I've seen the GP today and told him how awful the pain is - all down my thumb, across my hand, up my wrist and arm. I can't really use that hand to do anything and if I knock my hand my accident the pain in excruciating and doesn't subside for hours.

The doctor actually looked quite worried now and wants an orthopaedic surgeon to see me urgently on Monday as he thinks it's an undiagnosed scaphoid fracture.

Anyone had a similar experience and can advise what to expect? I went from being told to have some private physio to worrying it's quite serious

What my hand looked like the day after I did it

You need an MRI to check your scaphoid but also the other structures in your hand. I suspect that is where you'll be referred on Monday. A plan of action will be made from there.

Thanks @Mrsmophead. The doctor mentioned about possible issues with blood supply. I am guessing he means Avascular Necrosis which doesn't sound very nice 😣

I have Avascular Necrosis. It isn't nice. But yours sounds like it will be diagnosed much earlier than mine was, so that's good. If it's caught early enough you might just need a cast.

I was hoping to not have a cast as so tricky to work with one on 😭 but also tricky with the pain. I'm just trying to figure out what might happen, as in best/worst case scenario. Though I mainly hope I'm not told to keep putting up with it.

I have a 100% desk-based/typing job which is proving very difficult and is making the pain worse. Can I type with a cast?!

@wheresmolly

I was hoping to not have a cast as so tricky to work with one on 😭 but also tricky with the pain. I'm just trying to figure out what might happen, as in best/worst case scenario. Though I mainly hope I'm not told to keep putting up with it.

Well I'm waiting to have my bones removed. A cast is much better.

I am afraid that if it is scaphoid your thumb will be plastered in a sticking out position - blessed nuisance as I know. stuck out.

I feel your pain, as I fractured my foot and when they took the plaster off they did not believe that I still could not weight-bear - it took weeks and a private appointment for the correct diagnosis to be made - there was a second fracture that still gives me trouble several years later.

It makes me so mad when doctors do not believe you!!

@Mischance yikes that doesn't sound like much fun!

How did you get on OP?