Clinical Scaphoid / Soft tissue injury of Hand and Wrist: Very low risk fracture

The common causes of wrist pain following injury are:

1. Soft tissue injury which is an injury to the ligaments, tendons or muscles caused by overstretching
2. Bruising of the cartilage or bone
3. Fracture – a tiny crack of the bone, not easily seen on x-ray

• 2 weeks – may still be swollen but comfortable in the splint
  
  
• 4 weeks – swelling should have gone down and splint should no longer be required except for heavy activity. Start wrist exercises Exercises for wrist, hand and finger problems | NHS inform
  
  
• 6 weeks – normal function should have returned

The most common problem is a soft tissue injury.

It is painful and the area may be bruised and swollen. Soft tissue injuries are the most painful in the first few days and then will start to improve. Ways in which you can help are:

• Take painkillers. Be aware of the dose, any interactions with your own medications and allergies you may have. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Rest. Rest will improve your pain and swelling in the early stages but it is important to keep using the affected fingers as soon as possible.
  
  • You have been provided with a Velcro wrist splint to use. Keep this on for 2 weeks. You can remove it when taking a shower / bath.
    
    
• After two weeks, remove the splint, and see how your wrist feels:
  • If your pain and any swelling have more or less gone, you may discard the splint and return to normal. In this case you are likely to have sprained the wrist only. There is no need to contact us and you do not need any follow up.
  • If your pain and any swelling are still present, leave the splint in place for a further week or two, and then try again
  • If you have ongoing significant pain, please contact using the details below. In this case, continue to use the splint until your review appointment. Do not start any exercises for the wrist in this situation till your review appointment. Please do not call us until at least 2 weeks has passed since your injury.

Exercise videos and instructions can be found on NHS Inform | Exercises for wrist, hand and finger problems

There is a very small risk of a fracture to one of the bones in the wrist (the scaphoid) not healing properly. This is known as a non-union which can need further treatment. The chances of having a long term problem are very low – about 1 in every 500.

Borders General Hospital 01896 826880

Ask for the Orthopaedic Registrar on bleep 6009: 9am to 4pm (please Do Not call after 4pm).

They will ask you some questions and arrange a review to assess your wrist.