Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
Development of a Novel Internal Fixation Model for Rat Radial Fractures: Fracture Healing Assessment and Dorsal Root Ganglion Isolation
Published on: March 13, 2026
Pediatric scaphoid fractures
Adam W Anz1, Brandon D Bushnell, Donald K Bynum
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Box 1070, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1070, USA.
Insights
Pediatric scaphoid fractures are difficult to diagnose and manage. While most heal with casting, complex cases and nonunions require further consideration, potentially including surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Hand surgery
Background:
- Carpal scaphoid fractures in immature patients present diagnostic and management challenges.
- Delayed diagnosis is common due to subtle or absent symptoms.
- Most pediatric scaphoid fractures are managed successfully with cast immobilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the challenges in diagnosing and managing immature carpal scaphoid fractures.
- To discuss treatment options for pediatric scaphoid nonunions.
- To provide guidance on surgical intervention for specific pediatric scaphoid fracture cases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pediatric scaphoid fractures and nonunions.
- Analysis of diagnostic challenges and treatment outcomes.
- Discussion of surgical indications for complex cases.
Main Results:
- Nonunion can occur despite appropriate treatment or due to delayed diagnosis.
- The natural history of pediatric scaphoid nonunions is not well-defined, making treatment controversial.
- Surgical intervention is indicated for displaced fractures near skeletal maturity or failed conservative treatment.
Conclusions:
- Immature carpal scaphoid fractures require careful management to avoid complications like nonunion.
- Established pediatric scaphoid nonunions present a complex treatment dilemma.
- Surgical intervention should be considered in select cases of pediatric scaphoid fractures and nonunions.
Abstract:
Fractures of the immature carpal scaphoid can be challenging to manage. The diagnosis may be missed or delayed because of absent or minimal symptoms. Once diagnosed, most pediatric scaphoid fractures can be successfully treated with cast immobilization. However, this is inadequate for difficult and unique cases. Nonunion may occur as a result of a missed diagnosis or delayed presentation as well as in patients who receive appropriate treatment. Because the natural history in children remains incompletely characterized, the optimal treatment of established pediatric scaphoid nonunions is controversial. Surgical intervention should be considered for displaced fractures in patients who are at or near skeletal maturity or in those in whom nonsurgical treatment has failed.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:26Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
01:17Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution