How common are Scaphoid Fractures and how do they happen?

Scaphoid fractures predominantly occur in young, active individuals, most commonly resulting from a fall on the outstretched hand. The scaphoid bone is the most important carpal bone in your wrist. Scaphoid fractures account for 79% of carpal fractures making it the most commonly injured bone in young adults.

How long does it take for a scaphoid fracture to heal?

This depends on how it is managed and assessed. A poorly managed fracture can lead to non union and never heal causing other wrist problems and need reconstructive surgery later in life. An undisplaced fracture of the scaphoid waist or distal (closer to the thumb) will heal within 8 weeks if it is managed well, with micro trauma and a well fitting wrist splint. A distal pole fracture of the scaphoid will actually heal even faster than that and may heal within 6 weeks if managed well. Some scaphoid fractures are more complicated and your Hand Therapist at Action Rehab will be able to assess and advise on the best management of the fracture and where required we can refer you to an excellent surgeon who will operate on the scaphoid bone where required. A surgically repaired scaphoid should heal within 8 weeks as long as the repair is stable and the management is done in a wrist splint with the thumb free.

Can a scaphoid fracture heal on its own?

Yes, an undisplaced scaphoid fracture can heal without surgery as long as it is managed well in a splint. A displaced fracture or a fracture proximal (nearer the wrist) to the waist of the scaphoid generally needs surgical assessment and may require surgery to assist with healing. Post surgery a scaphoid is considered stable so the treatment is then the same as for non-surgical scaphoid fracture.

How is a scaphoid fracture treated?

This depends on where the fracture/break is, treatment varies from the level of the fracture tip to toe however generally if the fracture is stable or has been stabilised with surgery then the treatment is best in a water resistant wrist splint/cast (that can be removed if requested or can be secured to not be removed if it is indicated) with the thumb free to mobilise. Exercises will start as soon as the fracture is healing (usually 6-8 weeks post injury) and strengthening will commence once the fracture is considered “healed”. The best way to assess a fracture and its healing is to do a CT scan normally at the 8 week mark post injury. A CT scan will show the degree of healing but is unlikely to show “complete” union at the 8 week stage. Generally where there is a bridge on “union” measured on the CT then the fracture is likely to continue to heal and will not lead to “non union” which is the main complication of a scaphoid fracture.

Does a scaphoid fracture need surgery?

Generally, the answer is no. However, where there is significant displacement of the fracture then surgery is indicated. Surgery can also speed recovery in some cases and in those proximal pole fractures then a surgical assessment is important. Action Rehab hand therapists are able to read X-rays and CT scans and can advise where a surgical opinion is required.

What is the fastest way to heal a scaphoid fracture?

The fastest way to heal a scaphoid fracture is with expert assessment of the fracture type and then balancing rest in a splint/cast with gentle movement and micro stress. A scaphoid that is immobilised including the thumb is actually slower to heal than one treated with the thumb free.

Is a scaphoid fracture serious?

Yes if a scaphoid fracture is left untreated or poorly managed in a cast or fibreglass thumb spica can lead to serious complications, bone graft surgery, wrist reconstruction, bone removal. It is a really important bone in the wrist and needs the experts at Action Rehab hand therapy to assess and advise.

How long do you wear a cast for a scaphoid fracture?

Hopefully you never wear a “cast” for a scaphoid fracture. Modern technology and treatment mean that we no longer need to tolerate a plaster or fibreglass “cast” and patients are much happier and much more comfortable when treated in a thermoplastic water resistant “cast” or splint that can be worn 100% of the time (just like a traditional “cast”. Some Dr’s think “splint” means removal but in fact, at Action Rehab, we can fabricate a “splint” that works just like a really light “cast” and the patient experience is much better and the treatment outcomes and healing are actually faster.

Mallet Finger Treatment Melbourne

The hand therapists at Action Rehab are experienced in the assessment and treatment of mallet finger injuries. With a strong reputation in managing sports injuries, Action Rehab is the smart choice for treating your mallet finger.

No referral needed
Nonsurgical treatment prioritised where possible
Conveniently located across Melbourne and Gippsland.

Call 1300 762 227 to make an appointment

Or click the button below to schedule an appointment online

Schedule an appointment

What is Mallet Finger?

Mallet finger is the result of a fracture or rupture of the extensor tendon at the tip of the finger, preventing the tip joint from straightening. It is usually caused by forced bending of the tip or a laceration. Mallet finger is a common condition that can happen when making the bed or after a ball hitting it on the end. This causes the fingertip to droop, sometimes confused as a dislocation. Mallet Finger can be difficult to treat.

Diagnosing Mallet Finger

Most people know when they have a Mallet Finger because they have a droopy or “hammer” tip. The most important thing about diagnosing and assessing a Mallet Finger is finding out if there is a “break” or “fracture”.

Many people worry when there is a small break or fracture at the tip of the finger where the tendon has pulled itself off.

Treating a tendon Mallet Finger injury requires precise splinting, education and care in order to prevent a Mallet Finger from becoming a swan neck deformity. Therapists at Action Rehab are experienced in reading X-rays and can refer you for an X-ray when required, so we can check the joint following a Mallet Finger injury.

Call us on 1300 762 227 for an appointment, or schedule an appointment online by clicking the button below.

Schedule an appointment online

Download Referral Guide

View the video below to learn more about the differences between the types of mallets and how Action Rehab treat these sorts of injuries. As explained by Action Rehab founder Ben Cunningham.

Hands and Fingers reaching up to catch a football

Post Surgery X-Ray showing pin going through finger tip bone and joint

To book call us on 1300 762 227

Schedule an appointment

Book a consultation with our senior therapist, Ben Cunningham. In this appointment Ben will advise management strategies and if you request ongoing care then this will be charged as per our current rates. Worksafe and TAC clients will not be charged personally for any consultations.

Mallet Finger FAQs

How common is mallet finger?
A. Mallet Finger is the most common injury seen at Action Rehab. Mallet Finger is a common sports related injury an area in which Action Rehab therapists are trained and experienced in treating.

How is mallet finger caused?
A. Mallet finger is caused by a ball or a force to the end of the finger while a person is trying to straighten it.

Ben Cunningham Director at Action Rehab Hand Therapy

Ben Cunningham is currently the Hand Therapist at Melbourne Football Club (AFL) and the director of Action Rehab. Ben has over 20 years’ experience providing hand and upper limb therapy, including working in the United Kingdom at the Queen Victoria Hospital and as the senior clinician at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW

Call: +1300 762 227

Action Rehab provide assessment and treatment for all conditions relating to the upper limb, include scaphoid fractures. Come and see our friendly staff today at a location convenient to you.

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Mallet Finger Treatment Melbourne

What is Mallet Finger?

Diagnosing Mallet Finger

To book call us on 1300 762 227

Choosing The Right Therapist For Mallet Finger

Your Personal Information

Contact Details

Referring Doctor/Surgeon

Medicare Information

Veterans, Work Cover and Insurance

Mallet Finger FAQs

Mallet Finger Treatment Melbourne

What is Mallet Finger?

Diagnosing Mallet Finger

To book call us on 1300 762 227

Choosing The Right Therapist For Mallet Finger

Online Patient Registration Form

Your Personal Information

Contact Details

Referring Doctor/Surgeon

Medicare Information

Veterans, Work Cover and Insurance

Mallet Finger FAQs