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Scaphoid fracture

Is it normal to still have pain in the "snuffbox" 1 year after a union scaphoid fracture. My orthopedist said I did not need surgery back then. But do I need surgery now?
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1711789 tn?1361308007
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Yes, ligamant repairs can be carried out after some time post injury with good results. In a few delayed cases where the torn ligament has retracted (pulled back) so far that direct repair can't be done; a tendon graft may be needed to help strengthen the repair. Although I am not sure if the repair would solve your problems or in other words if your problems are related to the tear. Arthritis is unlikely to be related, though this would depend on the extent of the tear, and pain may or may not be related. Again the decision of a repair is best taken by an orthopedician, depending on, if it would be beneficial in your case.

Take care!
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Avatar universal
Thanks for the advice.
Just to be clear, you believe partial ucl tears can benefit from operative measures even after 11 months? Does it help to avoid arthritis and chronic pain too?
Thanks for answering my questions :)
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1711789 tn?1361308007
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi again!

Well, I don’t think that a scaphoid intervention at this time would be a good idea. Though it can be tried, delayed intervention may not have fruitful results; as mentioned in the previous post. This would also depend on the viability of the bone in question. However the UCL repair and carpal release may be beneficial. It is still best advised to discuss these with your treating orthopedician.
Hope this was useful.

Take care!
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Avatar universal
Sorry the last post is repetitive. I pasted it and messed up, just skip the middle part. Thanks
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Avatar universal
Thanks for answering me. I actually have a bigger problem in whole. I was in a car accident last September and I sprained both thumbs along with the scaphoid fracture. I am still having pain in my thumbs weakness, instability etc. I was also diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome from the accident. My point is I am planning to have a carpal release surgery and probably ucl repair. Since they would already be opening my hand would it be advantageous to mend the scaphoid with hardware as well? I am just looking for a second opinion, my pre-op consultation appointment isn't Thanks for answering me. I actually have a bigger problem in whole. I was in a car accident last September and I sprained both thumbs along with the scaphoid fracture. I am still having pain in my thumbs weakness, instability etc. I was also diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome from the accident. My point is I am planning to have a carpal release surgery and probably ucl repair. Since they would already be opening my hand would it be advantageous to mend the scaphoid with hardware as well? I am just looking for a second opinion, my pre-op consultation appointment isn't until august 30. Also it's been 11 months since the injury, will the ucl surgery still be beneficial? I have to do something because I can't live with the pain and weakness anymore.. Also it's been 11 months
since the injury, will the ucl surgery still be
beneficial? I have to do something because I can't live with the pain and weakness anymore.
Helpful - 0
1711789 tn?1361308007
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi there!

It would be very difficult to decide without a clinical evaluation. Delayed union or non-union is a common problem with scaphoid fractures and late intervention may not have fruitful results. Though you may not need an intervention/ surgery at this time it would be best to get this evaluated by an orthopedician, to know the exact condition and the reason for your pain and appropriate management.
Hope this was useful.

Take care!
Helpful - 0
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