Clinical imaging · UKMLA & AKT
Scaphoid fractures
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
Key high-yield points
- Mechanism: fall onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH) - wrist in dorsiflexion and radial deviation
- Anatomical snuffbox tenderness - highly sensitive but not specific
- Scaphoid tubercle tenderness - volar aspect; increases specificity when combined with snuffbox tenderness
- Scaphoid compression test - axial load through thumb metacarpal reproduces pain
Treat as a scaphoid fracture and immobilise even when X-rays are normal - do not dismiss as a sprain. Up to 20-30% of fractures are not visible on initial plain films in the first 7-10 days.
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