still dont know if scaphoid is broken - is this normal?

[giraffesCantRunA10k]

Injured hand and wrist last Thursday at soft play went to A&E, had 2 xrays, said they were worried about scaphoid becaise of where the swelling and pain was and I had to come back this Friday. Been wearing a splint in the mean time.

So I went today and had 4 x-rays and lots of prodding my hand/wrist (ouch) and they said they STILL can't decide if its broken or not and I need to come back again for more - is this normal?

hi giraffes! sorry to hear of your accident - not a radiographer but I have had similar experience. Can't remember which wrist bone it was but they couldn't tell from x-rays whether or not it was cracked across the top so they plastered it for 2 weeks to be on the safe side; then when I went back for review they decided it was ok and didn't replaster it. I don't think it's that unusual, if it is acting like there is a crack/break, but they can't see it, they seem to work on the principle that it will show itself up somehow after a while (dunno how).

Good luck with it getting better soon!

Scaphoid fractures are a classic diagnostic nightmare - very often don't show on the first (or any) Xray, but the consequences of not immobilising one are often very serious.

Thus, the safest option is to keep in plaster and either review frequently or bone scan/MRI after a while - from a few days to a fortnight.

Thanks thumb and bruxeur, good to hear this as I am worried my boss will think I am takin the piss!

Mine isn't in plaster - but a spilnt. Should I be worried its not in plaster?

Splint will do as long as it immobilises the thumb effectively and you are wearing it properly, and for over 23.5 hours a day.