Management of fractured scaphoid bone. A prospective study of 100 fractures

One hundred fractured carpal scaphoids were immobilised alternatively in above-elbow and below-elbow casts. Preventing the pronation and supination of the forearm did not reduce the immobilisation time, which, with either type of cast, averaged 7 weeks, after exclusion of the fractures with delayed union. These eight fractures, which did not unite in 3 months, were operated on using a lag screw fixation, whereafter consolidation was achieved.