Scaphoid Bone

tywy

Dunno if I'm breaking the charter with this thread but if so go ahead and close the thread

I went to the doctor on Friday about a sore wrist. It's been sore on and off for 4 years at this stage but was quite bad this week. I bent back my thumb pretty badly about 4 years ago but never really did anything about it. Since then my hand's been stiff and my grip is pretty bad too. So I mentioned all this to the doctor and he recommended I get an X-ray. He thinks I may have damaged my scaphoid bone in my hand.

I'm just wondering do people know of other cases where it's taken this long for someone to get an xray and what is the treatment, generally.

Also how much will an xray cost? Thinking of getting an appointment at the Charlemont Clinic.

Rogueish

First your wrist problem may be any number of a variety of problems and therefore getting it investigated further and professionaly diagnosed will provide much more information for your individual case.

Here is some general information about scaphoid fractures.

It is not uncommon for scaphoid fractures to be missed over a period of weeks and months. The radiographer usually has to be told to specifically check the scaphoid for posible fractures as the hand must be placed in a specific position to allow the scaphoid to be seen clearly.

The scaphoid has two parts imagine it like a peanut shell ( it doesn't look like this but for the sake of explaination it will help). One part of it has a pretty good blood supply and as a result has a capacity to heal itself as the blood can bring the necessary nutrients to aid the healing process. The other part of the scaphoid has a poor blood supply and if it is interrupted due to injury it does not heal but rather slowly breaks down.

If your scaphoid is affected the hospital will more than likely place your lower arm and hand in plaster for 4-6 weeks to see if the fracture will heal. If this does not work or there is too much damage to the bone then the possiblility of a bone graft will be considered.

Under general anaesthetic a small piece of your hip bone will be removed and carved into the shape of a scapoid bone and it will replace your damaged scaphoid.

An x-ray should cost aroung €60 (public hospital) and if your doctor has not given you a letter to take with you then tell them that you are being investigated for a possible scaphoid fracture. The radiologist will place your hand in the relevant position.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

tywy

Got the Xray today in Charlemont, cost €70. They said the results would be with my GP tomorrow. I'll phone on Friday if no one has gotten back to me...

tywy

Wrist is fine Just gave it a bad knock. Phew!