Scaphoid Fracture Treatment in Hyderabad
Pain at the base of your thumb after a fall? You might have a scaphoid fracture – the most commonly missed wrist fracture. Get expert diagnosis and treatment at Apollo Hospitals Financial District.
Treat within 2 weeks
6-8 weeks with surgery
₹70,000 - ₹1,20,000
What is a Scaphoid Fracture?
The scaphoid is a small, boat-shaped bone in the wrist located at the base of the thumb. It's the most commonly fractured carpal bone, typically occurring when you fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH injury). Scaphoid fractures account for 60-70% of all carpal bone fractures.
Why scaphoid fractures are challenging: The scaphoid has a unique blood supply that enters primarily from the distal (far) end of the bone. A fracture can disrupt blood flow to the proximal (near) portion, leading to avascular necrosis (bone death) if not treated properly. This makes early diagnosis and treatment critical.
The "occult fracture" problem: Up to 20% of scaphoid fractures don't show on initial X-rays. If you have tenderness in the "anatomical snuffbox" (the hollow at the base of the thumb) after a fall, you should be treated as having a scaphoid fracture until proven otherwise. MRI or CT scan can detect occult fractures.
Symptoms of Scaphoid Fracture
• Pain at thumb base (anatomical snuffbox tenderness)
• Swelling on thumb side of wrist
• Bruising may be minimal or absent
• Pain with grip and pinch activities
• Limited wrist movement
• Persistent pain after "wrist sprain"
• Pain not improving after 2 weeks
• Pain with weightbearing on wrist
• Progressive weakness over months
Important: Many scaphoid fractures are initially misdiagnosed as "wrist sprains." If you have persistent thumb-side wrist pain after a fall, especially in young adults, seek specialist evaluation. Delayed treatment can lead to non-union and arthritis.
Treatment Options
Suitable for: Stable, non-displaced distal pole fractures
- Thumb spica cast for 8-12 weeks
- Regular X-rays to monitor healing
- Success rate: 85-90% for distal fractures, lower for waist/proximal fractures
- Prolonged immobilization can cause stiffness and muscle atrophy
Advantages of surgery:
- Faster healing (6-8 weeks vs 12 weeks)
- Earlier return to work and sports
- Higher union rates, especially for waist fractures
- Less stiffness from shorter immobilization
Surgical techniques:
- Percutaneous screw fixation: Minimally invasive, small incision, headless compression screw
- Open reduction internal fixation: For displaced fractures requiring reduction
- Bone grafting: For non-union cases or compromised blood supply
Recovery After Scaphoid Surgery
Initial Phase
Splint, elevation, finger exercises
Protected Motion
Removable splint, gentle wrist ROM
Strengthening
Progressive strengthening, light activities
Return to Activity
Full activities once healed on X-ray
Scaphoid Fracture Treatment Cost in Hyderabad
Surgery Costs
- Percutaneous Screw Fixation₹70,000 - ₹90,000
- Open Reduction & Fixation₹85,000 - ₹1,10,000
- Non-union with Bone Graft₹1,00,000 - ₹1,50,000
Includes
- • Surgeon and anaesthesia fees
- • Headless compression screw implant
- • Hospital stay (day care or overnight)
- • Post-op splint and follow-up visits
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is scaphoid fracture serious?+
The scaphoid bone has a precarious blood supply that enters at the distal end. Fractures, especially at the waist or proximal pole, can disrupt blood flow, leading to avascular necrosis (bone death) and non-union. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to prevent these complications.
How is a scaphoid fracture diagnosed?+
Scaphoid fractures may not show on initial X-rays in up to 20% of cases. If clinical suspicion is high (tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox after a fall), an MRI or CT scan is recommended. Dr. Reddy at Apollo Hospitals has access to advanced imaging for accurate diagnosis.
How much does scaphoid fracture surgery cost in Hyderabad?+
Scaphoid fracture fixation surgery in Hyderabad costs approximately ₹70,000 to ₹1,20,000 depending on whether it requires percutaneous screw fixation or open reduction. Bone grafting for non-union may add to the cost. Insurance coverage is typically available.
Can scaphoid fractures heal without surgery?+
Stable, non-displaced scaphoid fractures can heal with cast immobilization for 8-12 weeks. However, surgical fixation with a headless compression screw allows faster healing (6-8 weeks) and earlier return to activity. Surgery is mandatory for displaced fractures.
What happens if a scaphoid fracture doesn't heal?+
Scaphoid non-union can lead to progressive wrist arthritis (SNAC wrist), chronic pain, and weakness. Treatment for established non-union includes bone grafting with screw fixation. Early treatment of fractures prevents this complication.
YOUR TREATING SURGEON
Dr. Deepthi Nandan Reddy
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic & Upper-Limb Surgeon | Apollo Hospitals
Why Choose Dr. Deepthi Nandan Reddy?
International fellowship training combined with decades of experience delivering world-class upper limb care
UK CCT
Certificate of Completion of Training - One of few Indian surgeons with NHS Consultant experience
FRCS (UK)
Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh & UK
Mayo Clinic Fellow
British Shoulder & Elbow Society - Mayo Clinic Travelling Fellowship
SESI President
President, Shoulder & Elbow Society of India
30+ Years Experience
15,000+ patients treated, 5,000+ surgeries performed
Published Researcher
Co-author of Operative Elbow Surgery, international conference faculty
Dr. Reddy's Specialty Clinics
Comprehensive Upper Limb Care
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