MSK: Scaphoid Fractures: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Scaphoid Fractures🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this common carpal bone injury with serious healing risks – perfect for exam prep and real-world clinical decisions.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• A fracture of the scaphoid bone – one of the small carpal bones of the wrist, most often broken by a fall onto an outstretched hand.• Classically involves the waist of the bone, but can occur in the proximal or distal poles.📌 Causes & Risk Factors• FOOSH – Fall On Outstretched Hand (most common)• Sports: snowboarding, skateboarding, gymnastics• Trauma to extended wrist• Young males (20–30s) – higher incidence• Bone fragility (e.g. osteoporosis)🧠 Mnemonic: FOOSH-RISK – Fall, Osteoporosis, Outstretched hand, Sports, High-energy trauma, Repetitive strain, Impact, Scaphoid, Key wrist bone📌 Pathophysiology• Blood supply is retrograde, entering from distal → proximal• Proximal pole has poorer perfusion → ↑ risk of non-union or avascular necrosis (AVN)• Common complication: scaphoid non-union advanced collapse (SNAC) → wrist arthritis📌 Symptoms• Local wrist pain (often dull, nagging)• Tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox• Pain on axial thumb compression• Limited wrist movement or grip strength🧠 Mnemonic: SNAP-P– Snuffbox tenderness– No obvious deformity– Axial compression pain– Pain on motion– Pronation/ulnar deviation pain📌 Differential Diagnosis• Wrist sprain• Distal radius fracture• Other carpal bone fractures• Carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve involvement)📌 Diagnosis• Scaphoid-view x-rays: initial test, but may miss fracture (20% false negative)• If high suspicion & normal x-ray: – Repeat x-ray in 10–14 days – MRI: high sensitivity, no radiation – CT: high specificity for bony detail• Bone scan: sensitive but less specific📌 Management• Non-displaced fractures: – Immobilise with cast/splint for 6–8 weeks• Displaced/proximal fractures or instability: – Surgical fixation (screws/wires)• Close monitoring + repeat imaging essential🧠 Mnemonics:– NICE = Non-displaced → Immobilise Conservatively & Effectively– DIPS = Displaced → Intervention (Surgery), Particularly if Significant/proximal📌 Complications• Non-union (5–10% even in non-displaced)• Avascular necrosis (AVN) of proximal pole• Post-traumatic arthritis• Decreased grip strength, wrist stiffness• Chronic pain• SNAC wrist (late-stage collapse)📌 Prognosis• Good if diagnosed early and managed appropriately• Risk increases with delayed diagnosis or poor adherence to rehab• Long-term physio is crucial to regain full function📎 More MSRA Resources for Scaphoid Fractures📝 Revision Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/scaphoid-fracture-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/scaphoid-fracture-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/scaphoid-fracture-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/scaphoid-fracture-rapid-quiz/https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/scaphoid-fractures/🎓 Full Course:https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/msk-for-the-msra/Hashtags#MSRA #MSRARevision #MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQANotes #MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #ScaphoidFractures #MSK #FOOSHInjury