Conservative treatment of scaphoid fractures: A follow up study

Background and Aims: This investigation was made to elucidate the outcome o f conservatively treated scaphoid fractures. Material and Methods: 63 patients with a scaphoid fracture were treated ini tially conservatively and examined retrospectively. The mean follow up time was 54 months. Results: In this group bone union was achieved in 56 cases (89 %). Three of the patients ended up to operation because of delayed union soon after con servative treatment and three nonunions were found in the follow up appoint ment. One fracture did not heal because of dislocation during cast treatmen t and was treated with operation. Incidence of osteoarthrosis and residual symptoms were studied in the group with totally conservative treatment. Ost eoarthrosis was found in 19 (32 %) wrists, but no correlation with wrist pr oblems (pain, reduced grip strength or problems at work) was found. 20 (34 %) of the patients complained residual symptoms. Most of the symptoms were mild and did not impair their ability to work or cause serious problems dur ing free time. Conclusion: According to the present study conservative treatment is a safe method for the treatment of undislocated stabile scaphoid fractures.