Scaphoid Fractures

Abstract

DescriptionEighty percent of the scaphoid bone consists of cartilage, leaving limited space for entrance of the supplying arteries. The main blood supply is through retrograde branches of the radial artery. The proximal pole depends on blood supply from the distal pole through the scaphoid bone. In case of a proximal scaphoid fracture, the blood supply through the scaphoid bone is interrupted, making the healing process of the proximal pole particularly more diffi cult. MAYO Classifi cation [ 1 , 2 ]The MAYO classifi cation divides scaphoid fractures into proximal (10 %), middle (70 %) and distal (20 %) fractures (Fig. 24.1 ). Within the distal third, distinction is made between the distal articular surface and the distal tubercle .