The Medium-Term Outcomes of Patients With Suspected Scaphoid Fractures: A Single-Centre Retrospective Cohort Study

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2024-02, Vol.16 (2), p.e53361-e53361
• Main Author: Tijare, Chinmay
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cohort analysis; Emergency medical care; Fractures; Injuries; Missing data; Pain; Patients; Questionnaires
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53361

Background The medium-term outcomes of patients (six to 14 months post-injury) with non-specific wrist injuries managed as suspected scaphoid fractures are not clear from the current literature. These patients' wrists are immobilized in casts or splints, and some receive physiotherapy. They receive serial imaging and follow-up appointments as needed. Aims This study aims to describe the medium-term outcomes of patients with non-specific wrist injuries managed as suspected scaphoid fractures. Methods This is a single-centre retrospective cohort study. Patients with suspected scaphoid fractures were identified from a consecutive database and were included. Patients diagnosed with a definitive scaphoid fracture at any point in time were excluded. Patients with any pre-existing wrist pathology were also excluded. In total 113 patients were posted the Patient-Rated-Wrist-Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire at six to 14 months post-injury with a self-addressed return envelope. Demographic and PRWE data were collated and described.  Results Twenty-two patients (19% of total patients) returned a completed questionnaire. The median PRWE score was 32 out of 100 indicating mild pain and disability. 45.5% of patients were in this category. A minority of patients (9%) continued to suffer severe or very severe pain and disability. Patients with PRWE scores