Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
11:21
Development of a Novel Internal Fixation Model for Rat Radial Fractures: Fracture Healing Assessment and Dorsal Root Ganglion Isolation
Published on: March 13, 2026
Clinically suspected scaphoid fractures in children
Andrea J Evenski1, Mark J Adamczyk, Richard P Steiner
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Akron Children's Hospital and Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH, USA.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics
|May 23, 2009
Summary
Many pediatric scaphoid fractures are initially missed. Volar tenderness, pain with radial deviation, and active motion pain strongly suggest a scaphoid fracture in children, warranting immobilization and follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Musculoskeletal Imaging
Background:
- Scaphoid fractures in children are challenging to diagnose radiographically.
- Clinical suspicion often leads to treatment without initial radiographic evidence.
- Delayed diagnosis can lead to complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of radiographically evident scaphoid fractures in children with initial clinical suspicion but no radiographic findings.
- To identify specific physical examination findings indicative of scaphoid fracture in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective and longitudinal review of pediatric patients (<16 years) with suspected scaphoid fractures and no initial radiographic evidence.
- Follow-up to confirm delayed radiographic evidence of fracture.
- Analysis of 7 specific examination findings using logistic regression.
Main Results:
- 30% of initially suspected scaphoid fractures were confirmed radiographically upon follow-up.
- Volar scaphoid tenderness, pain with radial deviation, and pain with active wrist range of motion were significant predictors of fracture.
- The presence of these findings increased the likelihood of a scaphoid fracture.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of clinically suspected pediatric scaphoid fractures become evident on follow-up imaging.
- Specific physical exam findings can increase suspicion for scaphoid fracture.
- Immobilization and repeat radiographs are recommended for clinically suspected pediatric scaphoid fractures.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
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...
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...
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
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...
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...
01:26Flail Chest-II
Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
01:24Flail Chest-I
Overview of Flail Chest
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...