Scaphoid Fractures in Children: Particulararities and Difficulties of Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Scaphoid fractures in children are rare and diagnostic errors have an increased rate due to difficulties in radiological interpretation of fractures of a partially cartilaginous bone.Data reported and published in the pediatric literature showed that 21% to 97% of images provided by simple X-rays cannot be considered revealing to exclude a fracture.For medical practice is ok to be known that the serial, frontal, oblique and "scaphoid" X-rays incidences reduces the risk of diagnostic errors, although in these situations errors may occur -estimated from 5% to 20%. The final diagnostic is established by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Fractures type 1 and 2 after D'Arienzo, may cause growth and developmental disorders, therefore, the orthopedic treatment is preferable and after 6 months to resort to surgical intervention, only, if there is an express indication.The treatment of choice is the orthopedic one and the surgery is performed on fractures with displacement, in older children and adolescents or in case of major complications, such as pseudarthrosis or necrosis of the proximal pole.