[Scaphoid fractures - Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment]

This article suggests algorithms for diagnosis and treatment of scaphoid fractures. A clinical suspected scaphoid fracture without signs of fracture on conventional radiographs should have a supplementary MRI done within 5-7 days. Displaced fractures and all proximal fractures should be classified by CT. Fracture union should be evaluated by CT. 90 procent of non- or minimally displaced waist fractures are healed after 6 weeks of conservative treatment. Non- or minimally displaced fractures with signs of instability can be treated conservatively, but require prolonged immobilisation. Fractures with a displacement ≥1,5 mm as well as the majority of proximal scaphoid fractures should be treated surgically with internal fixation.