Clinical imaging · UKMLA & AKT
Scaphoid fractures
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise scaphoid fractures — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
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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