Simultaneous fractures of the distal radius and scaphoid are uncommon.
In a prospective 3-year study we registered 2,330 distal radial fract
ures and 390 scaphoid fractures, and 12 were combined. Ten of these ha
d high energy trauma; six were styloid fractures, four Colles' fractur
es, one was a greenstick fracture and one Salter-Harris Type 2 epiphys
eal fracture. All but one of the 12 scaphoid fractures were stable and
healed without problems, and one was a trans-scaphoid, trans-styloid
peri-lunate fracture-dislocation. The study supports the opinion that
the distal radial fracture constitutes the principal injury that deter
mines the outcome and hence the treatment. If the scaphoid fracture is
unstable or dislocated, we recommend internal fixation of the scaphoi
d. Only a small proportion of these injuries represent a more serious
disruption with carpal instability.