Scaphoid Non-Union — What Happens When a Wrist Fracture Does Not Heal

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TL;DR

Hand and wrist fractures require expert assessment to ensure proper healing. Learn about modern fixation techniques and what to expect during your recovery.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery varies depending on the specific procedure and individual factors. Our team will provide you with a personalised recovery plan that includes wound care instructions, pain management, and a graduated return to activities.

Most patients begin hand therapy within the first one to two weeks after surgery. Our specialist hand therapists guide you through progressive exercises to restore movement, strength, and function while protecting the surgical repair.

Potential Complications

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. These may include infection, stiffness, nerve irritation, incomplete symptom relief, or recurrence of the condition. Our surgeons will discuss these risks with you during your consultation.

Our meticulous surgical technique and comprehensive aftercare programme are designed to minimise the risk of complications and optimise your outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will I need off work? This depends on your occupation and the procedure performed. Office workers typically return within one to two weeks, while manual workers may need four to six weeks or longer.

Will I need physiotherapy? Most patients benefit from hand therapy after surgery. Our specialist hand therapists work closely with our surgeons to provide a tailored rehabilitation programme.

Can the condition come back? Recurrence rates vary by condition and treatment method. Your surgeon will discuss the specific recurrence risk for your situation and strategies to minimise it.

What You Need to Know

This condition is one that our hand surgery specialists at Axiom Aesthetics see regularly in clinical practice. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the majority of patients achieve excellent outcomes and return to their normal activities.

Understanding your condition is the first step towards effective treatment. In this article, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions about your care.

How We Diagnose This Condition

Accurate diagnosis is fundamental to effective treatment. Our hand surgeons use a combination of detailed clinical examination, specific provocation tests, and advanced imaging to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity.

In many cases, we can provide a definitive diagnosis during your first consultation using our in-clinic high-resolution ultrasound scanner. This allows us to visualise tendons, nerves, ligaments, and other soft tissue structures in real time.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

We always consider conservative treatment first where appropriate. Non-surgical options may include custom splinting by our hand therapists, targeted exercises, activity modification, oral anti-inflammatory medication, and ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections.

Our ultrasound-guided injection technique ensures precise delivery of medication to the target structure, improving effectiveness and reducing the risk of complications compared to landmark-guided (blind) injections.

Book Your Consultation

If you are concerned about a hand or wrist condition, contact our specialist team today. Early assessment and treatment can make a significant difference to your outcome.

Call 020 7946 0958 or email [email protected] to book your consultation with one of our consultant hand surgeons.

Medically reviewed by Mr James Thornton, FRCS(Plast) Plastic & Hand Surgery GMC: 7284561
Medical Disclaimer

This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any treatment. All treatments carry potential risks and side effects which will be fully discussed during your consultation.

Ian Duncan
Written by

Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any treatment. All treatments carry potential risks and side effects which will be fully discussed during your consultation.

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