Accelerated Healing of Occult Scaphoid Fracture Using Magnetic Resonance Therapy: A Case Report

The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone, accounting for approximately 60% of all carpal fractures.[1] The injury is commonly seen in active young adults after a fall on an outstretched hand. These fractures sometimes are missed or misdiagnosed as simple wrist sprains. Left untreated or poorly reduced, a scaphoid fracture may develop a malunion or nonunion. Malunions and nonunions may lead to altered carpal kinematics (with resultant pain), diminished ROM, grip strength, and carpal arthrosis and chances of AVN (Avascular Necrosis).[2] Accordingly, displaced, nonunited, and sometimes malunited fractures are treated surgically. Furthermore, because cast immobilization may be prolonged and associated with stiffness, some surgeons and patients prefer early surgery even for nondisplaced fractures.[3] The scaphoid has a palmar and dorsal blood supply. The superficial branch of the radial artery gives off a palmar scaphoid branch that only supplies the distal pole. The dorsal carpal branch of the radial artery gives off a dorsal scaphoid branch, which is the major blood supply to the scaphoid, supplying the distal and proximal poles. The proximal pole relies on retrograde interosseous flow. In the present study the application of MAGNETIC RESONANCE THERAPY in the case of delayed union of scaphoid fracture accelerated the healing process.