The scaphoid is a small bone on the thumb side of your hand which is occasionally injured with a fall or direct blow. The clinician who has assessed you suspects you may have sustained an injury to this bone. On rare occasions, injuries to this bone are difficult to detect on the initial x-ray and require further investigation.

Initial Treatment

• You have been provided with a splint. Keep this on for 2 weeks, which should help with any pain or swelling. The splint can be removed for washing.
• Keep your fingers and thumb moving.
• Over the counter medication can be helpful. We recommend paracetamol as first line pain relief. (Always check the label before use.)
• Elevating your injured hand on a pillow when you are resting may also be helpful.

After two weeks, remove the splint, and see how your wrist feels:

• If your pain and swelling have improved, you may discard the splint and return to normal.  In this case you are likely to have sprained the wrist only.  There is no need to contact us and you do not need any follow up.
• If your symptoms have not improved and you continue to have significant pain and swelling, please call the number below to arrange a follow up appointment. In this case, continue to use the splint until your review.  PLEASE DO NOT CALL UNTIL AT LEAST 2 WEEKS HAVE PASSED.
• Following 2 weeks, if you are unsure whether either of the above options apply, please call the number below to arrange a follow up.

Your follow up Musculoskeletal (MSK) appointment will be in Stirling Minor Injuries Department. Please call the reception team on 01786 434036 between 9am and 9pm to arrange the follow up appointment.

On the day of your appointment please tell the receptionist you have a Clinical Scaphoid Injury and have made an MSK appointment.