Overview

The scaphoid is one of the carpal bones of your wrist and is critical to coordinate motion of the other carpal bones and the radius bone of the lower arm.  A fractured scaphoid requires open reduction and internal fixation surgery (ORIF) to fully and correctly align and heal.

Preparation

Anesthesia is administered to the patieht, whose arm is positioned with the palm facing up. The hand and forearm are cleansed and sterilized.  A tourniquet is applied to limit blood flow.  The surgeon makes an incision at the wrist to reveal and visualize the scaphoid.

Inserting the Screw

The surgeon realigns the fractured ends of the scaphoid.  Using a video x-ray machine called a fluoroscope, the surgeon inserts a guide wire through the center of the scaphoid, across the fracture line.  A screw is implanted over the guide wire to hold the bone pieces together.

End of Procedure and Aftercare

When the fixation is complete, the surgeon removes the guide wire and stitches the incision closed.  The wrist is bandaged and splinted.  The patient is directed to keep the wrist elevated, to reduce pain and swelling.