Carpal Bone Fractures/Breaks: lunate, triquetrum, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate.
Overview
Carpal bone fractures refer to breaks within any of the eight small bones in the wrist, known collectively as the carpal bones. These fractures occur due to direct trauma, falls onto an outstretched hand, or repetitive stress. Since these bones are small and intricately connected, carpal bone fractures can affect wrist stability and movement, sometimes leading to complications if untreated.
Anatomy of the Carpal Bones
The carpal bones are located in two rows:
- Proximal Row (closer to the forearm): scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform.
- Distal Row (closer to the hand): trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate.
Each carpal bone has unique functions and contributes to wrist movement and stability:
- Scaphoid: This is the largest bone in the proximal row, bridging the two rows and crucial for wrist stability. Its blood supply is limited, which makes scaphoid fractures prone to healing complications and avascular necrosis.
- Lunate: Centrally located in the proximal row, it stabilises other carpal bones and aids in wrist motion.
- Triquetrum: Lies adjacent to the lunate on the ulnar side and supports wrist extension.
- Pisiform: A pea-shaped bone on top of the triquetrum that functions as a sesamoid bone within the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon.
- Trapezium: Positioned at the base of the thumb, essential for thumb movement and grip strength.
- Trapezoid: A small, wedge-shaped bone between the trapezium and capitate.
- Capitate: The largest carpal bone, located centrally and helping with wrist articulation.
- Hamate: Recognisable by its hook-like projection, involved in wrist flexion and grip.

Types of Carpal Bone Fractures
Each carpal bone fracture has unique characteristics due to the distinct anatomy, blood supply, and roles of each bone.
- Scaphoid Fractures: The most common carpal bone fracture, typically occurring from a fall on an outstretched hand. These fractures are serious because the scaphoid has a limited blood supply, which can lead to complications in healing or avascular necrosis, especially in fractures near the proximal end.
- Lunate Fractures: Less common but potentially severe. The lunate’s limited blood supply makes fractures prone to avascular necrosis, leading to Kienböck’s disease.
- Triquetrum Fractures: The second most common carpal fracture, often occurring from falls or direct trauma to the wrist. These fractures typically involve small chips or avulsions.
- Pisiform Fractures: Rare and usually caused by direct trauma or falls on the ulnar side of the wrist. They can sometimes involve injuries to the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon.
- Trapezium Fractures: Often result from impacts to the thumb, frequently due to falls on an outstretched hand. Trapezium fractures can restrict thumb motion and affect grip strength.
- Trapezoid Fractures: Very rare because of the trapezoid’s protected position in the wrist. They generally occur with high-energy trauma and may lead to pain and dysfunction if not identified.
- Capitate Fractures: These are uncommon and often associated with scaphoid fractures. The capitate’s central position and blood supply can lead to complications if it is fractured.
- Hamate Fractures: These fractures frequently involve the hook of the hamate and can result from direct impacts, as seen in sports injuries. They can injure the ulnar nerve, leading to pain when gripping or rotating the wrist.
How Common Are Carpal Bone Fractures?
Carpal bone fractures are relatively rare compared to fractures in other parts of the body. The scaphoid is by far the most frequently fractured carpal bone, accounting for around 60-70% of carpal fractures. Other carpal bones have significantly lower fracture rates due to their protective positioning and unique anatomical structures.
This article will discuss carpal bone fractures. You will find more details on Scaphoid Fractures here.
Symptoms and Causes
Causes of Carpal Bone Fractures
Carpal bone fractures occur primarily due to trauma to the wrist, often from falls or high-impact injuries. Other causes include repetitive strain, which is commonly seen in athletes or individuals with physically demanding jobs. The small size and complex structure of the carpal bones make them vulnerable to fractures under sudden force or stress.
Common Injury Mechanisms for Each Carpal Bone
- Scaphoid: Most commonly fractured carpal bone. Fractures frequently occur from a fall on an outstretched hand, where the wrist is extended.
- Lunate: Fractures are less common and often associated with high-energy impacts or falls. Avascular necrosis, or Kienböck’s disease, can develop if the lunate’s blood supply is compromised.
- Triquetrum: Typically fractured through a fall on an outstretched hand or direct impact on the ulnar side of the wrist, often resulting in small avulsion fractures.
- Pisiform: Fractures are rare and typically caused by a direct blow or impact to the ulnar side of the wrist, often involving the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon.
- Trapezium: Commonly fractured through impact on the thumb, often due to a fall. Such fractures can impair thumb movement and grip.
- Trapezoid: Very rare due to its protected location, but high-impact trauma can lead to fractures here.
- Capitate: Generally fractured in association with scaphoid fractures and often from high-energy trauma. Capitate fractures are prone to complications due to its central location.
- Hamate: Frequently involves the “hook” of the hamate, often injured by direct impact or gripping sports equipment, as seen in golf or baseball.
Sports-Related Injuries
Sports that involve falls, direct impact, or repetitive wrist stress (e.g., gymnastics, cycling, and contact sports) often cause carpal bone fractures. The hook of the hamate is particularly vulnerable in sports requiring gripping, such as golf or baseball.
Falls and High-Impact Injuries
Falls onto an outstretched hand are the most common cause of carpal fractures, especially for the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum. High-impact injuries from motor vehicle accidents or extreme sports also frequently lead to carpal bone fractures.
Risk Factors for Carpal Bone Fractures
- Age: Younger people are more prone to these injuries due to higher activity levels and participation in sports.
- Physical activity: Athletes and individuals in physically demanding jobs are at greater risk.
- Bone health: Conditions like osteoporosis can increase fracture susceptibility.
- Fall risk: Individuals with poor balance or those involved in activities with a high risk of falls.
Symptoms of Carpal Bone Fractures
General Symptoms
- Pain: Especially with movement or pressure on the affected bone.
- Swelling: In the wrist or on the affected side.
- Tenderness: When touching the fracture site.
- Reduced mobility: Difficulty moving the wrist, especially in flexion, extension, or radial/ulnar deviation.

Specific Symptoms for Each Carpal Bone Fracture
- Scaphoid Fracture: Pain and tenderness in the “anatomical snuffbox” (area at the base of the thumb). Swelling may be present along the radial side of the wrist.
- Lunate Fracture: Central wrist pain, swelling, and limited motion, especially with wrist extension.
- Triquetrum Fracture: Pain and tenderness on the ulnar side of the wrist, which occurs with wrist extension.
- Pisiform Fracture: Pain and tenderness on the palm side of the wrist, near the ulnar side, often worsened by wrist flexion.
- Trapezium Fracture: Pain and tenderness at the base of the thumb, often affecting grip strength.
- Trapezoid Fracture: Pain in the dorsal wrist area near the index finger base; movement may be limited.
- Capitate Fracture: Pain in the centre of the wrist, especially on the dorsal side. The wrist may feel weak.
- Hamate Fracture: Pain on the ulnar side, especially with grip and rotation of the wrist. It may involve tingling due to pressure on the ulnar nerve.
Complications of Carpal Bone Fractures
Non-Union
Carpal bones, particularly the scaphoid, are susceptible to non-union due to limited blood supply. If the fracture doesn’t heal, it may require surgical intervention to stabilise the bone.
Avascular Necrosis
Certain carpal bones, like the lunate and scaphoid, have limited blood supply, increasing the risk of avascular necrosis. If untreated, this can lead to the death of bone tissue, resulting in chronic pain, wrist instability, and loss of function.
Carpal Instability
Unstable fractures or those that heal improperly may lead to carpal instability, causing abnormal motion within the wrist joint and affecting grip strength and coordination.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Untreated or improperly healed fractures can lead to arthritis, especially if the bone heals in a misaligned position. Over time, this can lead to long term pain, stiffness, and decreased wrist mobility.
SUMMARY
Early diagnosis and treatment, along with orthopaedic follow-up, are required to decrease the risk of complications. Access Ortho treats fractures and other orthopaedic conditions, offering rapid, affordable orthopaedic care.
Diagnosis and Tests
How Are Carpal Bone Fractures Diagnosed?
Diagnosing carpal bone fractures requires a thorough physical examination followed by imaging tests, as many carpal fractures may be subtle or hidden on standard X-rays. Accurate diagnosis is important to prevent complications such as non-union, avascular necrosis, and long-term instability.
Physical Examination for Carpal Bone Fractures
A medical practitioner will begin with a physical examination, assessing:
- Pain and Tenderness: Localised tenderness is checked around each bone, often revealing potential fractures.
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling may indicate trauma to specific areas of the wrist.
- Range of Motion: The provider assesses active and passive movement to identify restricted or painful areas.
- Grip Strength: Weakness in grip or pain when squeezing can suggest a fracture or associated ligament injury.
Specific Tests for Each Carpal Bone
- Scaphoid: Tenderness in the “anatomical snuffbox” (the area at the base of the thumb) and the scaphoid compression test (pressing along the thumb with axial pressure) can indicate a scaphoid fracture.
- Lunate: Pain with passive wrist extension and tenderness over the dorsal wrist area may signal a lunate fracture.
- Triquetrum: Pain and tenderness on the ulnar side, particularly when the wrist is extended or deviated, may indicate a triquetrum fracture.
- Pisiform: Tenderness on the ulnar side of the wrist, often aggravated by pressing on the palm over the pisiform bone, suggests a pisiform fracture.
- Trapezium: Tenderness at the base of the thumb or pain with thumb movement, especially with grip and flexion.
- Trapezoid: Tenderness near the base of the index finger; pain with gripping or pinching may suggest a trapezoid fracture, though it’s rare.
- Capitate: Tenderness in the centre of the wrist on the dorsal side, especially with wrist extension.
- Hamate: Pain on the ulnar side of the wrist, particularly when gripping. The hook of the hamate may be tender, and tapping it can reproduce pain.
Tests Providers Use to Diagnose Carpal Bone Fractures
X-Rays: Standard and Specialised Views
X-rays are used to diagnose carpal bone fractures. They may include:
- Standard Views: Anteroposterior (AP), lateral, and oblique views.
- Specialised Views: Scaphoid view (ulnar deviation) is used specifically for scaphoid fractures, providing a clearer view of this bone.
While X-rays are beneficial, fractures like those of the scaphoid, lunate, or trapezoid may sometimes be missed due to the overlapping structures of the carpal bones.
CT Scans: For Detailed Fracture Assessment
CT scans provide a detailed view of the carpal bones, helping to identify complex fractures, subtle fractures not visible on X-rays, and fractures involving multiple bones or intra-articular fractures. CT scans are often used when a fracture is suspected but difficult to visualise on an X-ray.
MRI: For Suspected Occult Fractures and Soft Tissue Injuries
MRIs are highly sensitive for detecting occult fractures (hidden fractures) and soft tissue injuries, such as ligament tears. They are especially helpful when a patient has symptoms consistent with a fracture but with negative X-ray results. MRI can also detect early signs of avascular necrosis in the scaphoid or lunate.
Bone Scans: Alternative for Occult Fractures
Bone scans may be used as an alternative to MRI for detecting occult fractures. Bone scans identify areas of increased metabolic activity associated with bone healing and can confirm the presence of a fracture not visible on standard X-rays.
Specific Considerations in Diagnosing Carpal Bone Fractures
Challenges in Identifying Certain Carpal Bone Fractures
Some carpal bones, such as the trapezoid, are challenging to diagnose due to their protected location and overlapping bones on standard imaging. Even with imaging, subtle fractures can sometimes be missed, necessitating further evaluation with CT or MRI.
Importance of Early Diagnosis for Optimal Treatment
Early diagnosis is essential for carpal bone fractures, particularly for bones like the scaphoid and lunate, which are prone to complications such as non-union and avascular necrosis. Delayed treatment increases the risk of chronic pain, instability, and long-term issues like post-traumatic arthritis.
Access Ortho is an orthopaedic clinic offering rapid appointments for acute injuries, which helps ensure an early and accurate diagnosis.
Management and Treatment
How Are Carpal Bone Fractures Treated?
Treatment of carpal bone fractures varies depending on the fracture type, severity, and location and whether there are complications like non-union or instability. Treatment options may be conservative methods, such as immobilisation, or surgical interventions in more severe cases.
Conservative Treatment Options
Conservative treatment is often suitable for non-displaced fractures or those that have a good chance of healing without surgery. This approach typically involves immobilisation, rest, and pain management.
Immobilisation Techniques for Different Carpal Bone Fractures
- Scaphoid Fractures: Usually treated with a thumb spica cast or splint to immobilise the wrist and thumb.
- Lunate Fractures: Immobilisation with a short arm cast or a splint that supports the wrist in a neutral position.
- Triquetrum Fractures: May require a short arm cast or splint to support the wrist and prevent extension.
- Pisiform Fractures: Usually treated with a splint or cast that stabilises the ulnar side of the wrist.
- Trapezium Fractures: Immobilisation with a thumb spica cast or splint to restrict thumb motion.
- Trapezoid Fractures: Rarely occur in isolation but, when fractured, may require a cast to stabilise the wrist.
- Capitate and Hamate Fractures: Immobilisation in a cast or splint, especially if the hamate’s hook is involved.
Duration of Immobilisation
The duration of immobilisation typically varies based on the bone and the nature of the fracture; the following is a guide to duration:
- Scaphoid: 6-12 weeks, depending on the location and severity.
- Lunate and Triquetrum: 4-6 weeks for uncomplicated fractures.
- Pisiform: Around 3-6 weeks.
- Trapezium, Trapezoid, Capitate, Hamate: Typically 4-6 weeks, but may vary depending on the complexity of the fracture.

Surgical Interventions for Carpal Bone Fractures
Surgical treatment may be required for displaced fractures, fractures with a high risk of non-union, or those with a high likelihood of causing long-term complications.
Indications for Surgery for Each Carpal Bone
- Scaphoid: Surgery is often indicated for displaced fractures, proximal fractures with poor blood supply, or non-union.
- Lunate: Surgery may be necessary for displaced or unstable fractures or when avascular necrosis is a concern.
- Triquetrum: Rarely requires surgery unless associated with ligament injury or a complex fracture pattern.
- Pisiform: Surgery is uncommon but may be necessary if fragments are unstable or causing chronic pain.
- Trapezium: Displaced fractures or those affecting thumb mobility may require surgery.
- Trapezoid: Typically treated conservatively, but severe cases may require surgery.
- Capitate: Surgery is often needed if associated with a scaphoid fracture or if unstable.
- Hamate: Surgery may be necessary for fractures involving the hook, especially if it causes nerve compression or affects grip.
Types of Surgical Procedures
- Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (abbreviated to ORIF): This surgery is commonly used for displaced or complex fractures, especially in the scaphoid and lunate. The procedure involves making an incision, realigning the fracture, and using screws or plates to stabilise the bone.
- Percutaneous Pinning: A minimally invasive procedure in which pins or wires are inserted to stabilise the fracture. This technique is often used for smaller or less complex fractures.
- Bone Grafting for Non-Union: For fractures that have not healed (non-union), bone grafting may be required to provide additional stability and promote bone healing. Bone grafts are often used for scaphoid fractures with non-union.
Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy for Carpal Bone Fractures
Rehabilitation is crucial to restore strength, range of motion, and function after immobilisation or surgery. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are often recommended after the initial healing phase.
Wrist and Hand Exercises
Once healing is confirmed, exercises focus on gradually increasing mobility, strength, and endurance:
- Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle wrist flexion, extension, and radial/ulnar deviation to restore mobility.
- Strengthening Exercises: Hand grip exercises, resistance exercises with putty or resistance bands to improve strength in the wrist and hand.
- Coordination Exercises: Finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination exercises to rebuild fine motor skills.
Occupational Therapy Considerations
Occupational therapy may be recommended for patients with more complex injuries or those who need to regain specific functional abilities for daily tasks. This may include:
- Customised Splints: Occupational therapists may create or recommend splints to support the wrist during recovery.
- Functional Training: Exercises and tasks tailored to help patients return to work or daily activities, especially if the fracture affects dominant hand use.
- Education on Joint Protection: Teaching patients techniques to avoid re-injury and protect the wrist during recovery.
Effective treatment and rehabilitation for carpal bone fractures are essential to restore full function and minimise complications, helping patients regain a stable and pain-free wrist for daily activities.
The orthopaedic staff at Access Ortho will provide specialist care for your injury and arrange referrals for custom splints and rehabilitation if required. Access Ortho assesses, diagnoses, treats and provides follow-up care.
Prevention
Preventing carpal bone fractures involves taking precautions during physical activities, sports, and daily life to reduce the risk of falls and trauma to the wrist. Here are some key prevention strategies:
- Proper Fall Techniques: Learning safe falling techniques, such as rolling to disperse impact and avoiding landing on outstretched hands, can help reduce the risk of wrist fractures. Martial arts and gymnastics often teach these techniques, which are valuable for everyone.
- Use of Protective Gear: Wearing wrist guards or protective gloves in sports like skateboarding, snowboarding, and cycling can protect the wrist from impact during falls. In activities with an increased risk of wrist injury, such as contact sports or jobs involving repetitive wrist strain, supportive braces can also help reduce stress on the carpal bones.
Implementing these techniques can minimise the risk of carpal bone fractures, especially in high-impact situations or activities with the potential for falls.

Outlook / Prognosis
Outlook / Prognosis for Carpal Bone Fractures
If you have a carpal bone fracture, the prognosis generally depends on the specific bone fractured, the severity of the fracture, and how promptly treatment is received. With appropriate care, many patients achieve full recovery, but healing times and outcomes can vary.
What Is the Recovery Time from Carpal Bone Fractures?
Recovery times for carpal bone fractures depend on the specific bone involved, as each has a unique healing timeline due to its blood supply and anatomical location.
Recovery Timelines for Different Carpal Bones
- Scaphoid: 6-12 weeks for most cases, but fractures in the proximal part (closer to the forearm) may take longer due to limited blood supply.
- Lunate: 4-6 weeks, though fractures with complications like avascular necrosis may prolong recovery.
- Triquetrum: Typically 4-6 weeks for simple fractures.
- Pisiform: Around 3-6 weeks, as it is generally a less complex fracture.
- Trapezium, Trapezoid, Capitate, Hamate: Usually 4-6 weeks, though complex or displaced fractures can extend healing time.
Long-Term Outcomes and Potential Complications
Most carpal bone fractures heal well with timely treatment, but some fractures—especially those involving the scaphoid or lunate—may have a risk of complications:
- Non-Union: The bone may not heal fully, particularly in scaphoid fractures, sometimes requiring surgical intervention.
- Avascular Necrosis: Bones like the scaphoid and lunate are prone to blood supply issues, which can lead to bone death if untreated.
- Carpal Instability: Misaligned or untreated fractures can lead to instability in the wrist joint, impacting function.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Untreated or complex fractures may lead to arthritis, causing chronic pain and stiffness.
Return to Work and Sports Considerations
Returning to work or sports depends on the type of fracture, treatment received, and recovery progress. Generally:
- Desk Jobs: May resume with limited use of the affected hand once initial pain subsides and with clearance from a healthcare provider.
- Manual Labour and Sports: Require more caution, as these activities increase the risk of re-injury. Many patients return within 2-4 months if recovery is uncomplicated, though full recovery and function may take longer, especially in high-impact sports or physically demanding roles.
With prompt treatment, appropriate rehabilitation, and a gradual return to activity, patients can often resume their regular routines with minimal long-term limitations.
Access Ortho is an Urgent Care clinic for orthopaedic injuries, offering rapid appointments and specialist orthopaedic care.
When to Seek Medical Attention
When Should I Go to a Fracture Clinic for a Potential Carpal Bone Fracture?
If you suspect a carpal bone fracture, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation promptly, especially if you experience symptoms that suggest a serious injury. While some mild wrist injuries may resolve with rest and immobilisation, carpal bone fractures can lead to complications if untreated. A fracture clinic can provide specialised assessment, imaging, and treatment to ensure proper healing. Access Ortho is a fracture clinic offering rapid care for known or suspected fractures.
Red Flags: When Immediate Medical Attention Is Necessary
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe Pain and Swelling: Intense pain, swelling, or tenderness around the wrist that doesn’t improve with rest may indicate a fracture that requires urgent care.
- Deformity or Visible Misalignment: If your wrist or hand looks visibly out of place or deformed, it could suggest a displaced fracture.
- Limited Range of Motion: Decreased movment in your wrist or hand or difficulty using your thumb or fingers may indicate a significant injury.
- Numbness, Tingling, or Coldness: These symptoms can signal nerve or blood vessel injury, which requires prompt evaluation to prevent long-term complications.
- Persistent Pain Following Trauma: Pain lasting beyond 48 hours, especially after a fall or high-impact injury, should be evaluated even if swelling is minimal. Some carpal fractures, like the scaphoid, may not present with immediate, obvious symptoms.
Timely evaluation at a fracture clinic is crucial. Early diagnosis and starting rapid treatment can reduce the risk of complications, such as non-union, avascular necrosis, and chronic instability, improving the chances of full recovery.
Access Ortho is an orthopaedic clinic offering immediate and follow-up care for fractures, sprains and strains.
What is a Fracture Clinic?
Role of Fracture Clinics in Carpal Bone Fracture Management
Fracture clinics play a vital role in diagnosing, managing, and monitoring the healing of carpal bone fractures. These specialised clinics have the expertise and resources to ensure accurate diagnosis, develop tailored treatment plans, and provide follow-up care to optimise recovery.
Where should I go if I think I have a fracture?
If you are concerned you have a fracture, it is important to get care by a medical team skilled in orthopaedics. A fracture clinic such as Access Ortho will provide specialist care. Access Ortho offers immediate treatment, such as casts and splints, and follow-up care with orthopaedic surgeons, ensuring your injury is treated appropriately from diagnosis to full recovery.
What to Expect During Your Fracture Clinic Visit
- Initial Assessment and Medical History
Your visit begins with a thorough review of your symptoms, injury history, and any prior treatments. This information helps the clinic team understand the severity and mechanism of the injury.
- Physical Examination
The clinician will perform a physical examination, checking for tenderness, swelling, range of motion, and specific signs of fractures in individual carpal bones. They may also assess grip strength and nerve function to identify additional injuries.
- Imaging Studies
Imaging is crucial in accurately diagnosing carpal fractures. The clinic may order X-rays, including specialised views (e.g., scaphoid view), to better visualise certain carpal bones. If the fracture is difficult to detect or complex, a CT scan or MRI may be ordered to assess the bone and surrounding soft tissue in greater detail.
- Treatment Planning
Based on the assessment and imaging, the clinic will develop a treatment plan. Options include:
- Conservative Treatment: Immobilisation in a cast or splint, especially for non-displaced fractures.
- Surgical Referral: For complex or displaced fractures, the clinic may arrange for an orthopaedic surgeon to do a procedure like open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or percutaneous pinning.
The clinician will discuss the expected duration of immobilisation, pain management, and potential complications.
- Rehabilitation and Follow-Up
Access Ortho works closely with physiotherapists and occupational therapists to guide rehabilitation. They may provide exercises to maintain mobility and strengthen the wrist as it heals.
Follow-up appointments allow the clinic to monitor healing through repeat imaging and adjust the treatment plan if needed, ensuring optimal recovery.
Fracture clinics such as Access Ortho provide specialised, comprehensive care essential for healing carpal bone fractures effectively and preventing long-term complications.

Commonly Asked Questions
How Can I Tell if I’ve Fractured a Carpal Bone or Just Sprained My Wrist?
It can be challenging to distinguish between a wrist sprain and a fracture, as both may cause pain, swelling, and reduced motion. However, fractures often involve more intense, sharp pain, tenderness over specific carpal bones (like the scaphoid in the thumb area), and sometimes visible deformity. Regardless of what you think an injury is, persistent pain following an injury should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out fractures or ligament damage.
Are Some Carpal Bone Fractures More Serious Than Others?
Yes, some carpal bone fractures are more serious. For example, scaphoid and lunate fractures are particularly concerning because they have limited blood supply, increasing the risk of complications like avascular necrosis and non-union. Early diagnosis and treatment of these fractures helps improve outcomes.
Can I Still Move My Wrist if I Have a Carpal Bone Fracture?
It’s possible to have some movement with a carpal bone fracture, especially with minor fractures. However, movement is often limited and painful, and certain motions may increase pain, indicating an underlying fracture.
How Long Do I Need to Wear a Cast for a Carpal Bone Fracture?
The duration of casting depends on the specific bone and the severity of the fracture:
- Scaphoid: 6-12 weeks
- Lunate and Triquetrum: 4-6 weeks
- Pisiform, Trapezium, Capitate, and Hamate: Around 4-6 weeks, unless complications arise
Will I Need Surgery for My Carpal Bone Fracture?
Surgery is generally reserved for complex or displaced fractures, fractures with a high risk of non-union (e.g., scaphoid), or those that haven’t healed with conservative treatment. If your fracture is stable and non-displaced, immobilisation may be sufficient.
What Happens if a Carpal Bone Fracture Is Left Untreated?
Untreated carpal fractures can lead to complications like non-union (the bone doesn’t heal), avascular necrosis (bone tissue death), chronic pain, carpal instability, and post-traumatic arthritis. These issues can result in long-term wrist dysfunction and pain.
Can I Work with a Carpal Bone Fracture?
This depends on your job and the severity of the fracture. Office or desk jobs may be manageable with some limitations, while physically demanding jobs may require extended rest or modified duties. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
How Soon Can I Return to Sports After a Carpal Bone Fracture?
Recovery varies by fracture type, but many people can return to low-impact sports after 6-12 weeks. High-impact or contact sports may require additional time to prevent re-injury, so discuss with your doctor to ensure a safe return to activity.
Are Carpal Bone Fractures Always Painful?
Carpal fractures are typically painful, particularly with movement or pressure, but minor fractures may produce mild symptoms. Some fractures, like scaphoid fractures, may initially cause only dull pain, making them easy to overlook.
What Exercises Can I Do to Regain Hand Strength After a Carpal Bone Fracture?
Once healed, exercises such as wrist flexion/extension, hand grip strengthening, and gentle resistance exercises with putty or bands can help restore hand strength and mobility. It is important to work with a physiotherapist for guidance on exercises appropriate for your recovery stage.