Question

5. An athlete experiences a FOOSH mechanism and has radial side wrist pain. You suspect a scaphoid fracture - which fracture test would be ideal for this assessment prior to sending for x-rays?

2. The x-ray comes back negative but the athlete is still in a lot of pain. How will you manage the injury in the short term and why?

3. What is the risk if this injury isn’t managed properly? If misdiagnosed, what follow up care is required?  
4. What 3 other injuries might this athlete have suffered with the mechanism? Be specific about the structure and type of injury.

Answer 1

The classic hallmark of anatomic snuffbox tenderness on examination is a highly sensitive indication of scaphoid fracture.Another maneuver that suggests fracture of the scaphoid is pain in the snuffbox with pronation of the wrist followed by ulnar deviation

A splint can be used to stabilize any broken bones or torn ligaments and reduces pain by keeping your injury in a rested position. Taking anti-inflammatory medicines can help alot.

The risk may result in adverse effect that include: avascular necrosis, osteoarthritis, chronic pain, decreased range of motion.

Follow-up care require use of thumb splint, physical therapy and eventually surgery.

3 other injuries are:-

Colles' fracture: a fracture of the wrist where the end of your arm bone is displaced backward.

Smith's fracture: a wrist fracture, similar to a Colles' fracture, where the end of your arm bone is displaced towards the front of your wrist.

Collarbone fracture: the forced from falling with your hand and arm outstretched may travel all the way up to your collarbone, causing a fracture.