Surgery>>>>>Surgery of the Hand and Wrist
Question 3#

Most nondisplaced fractures do NOT require surgical treatment EXCEPT:

A. Those of the lunate bone of the wrist
B. Those of the capitate bone of the wrist
C. Those of the scaphoid bone of the wrist
D. All nondisplaced fractures require surgical treatment

Correct Answer is C

Comment:

Most nondisplaced fractures do not require surgical treatment. The scaphoid bone of the wrist is a notable exception to this rule. Due to peculiarities in its vascular supply, particularly vulnerable at its proximal end, nondisplaced scaphoid fractures can fail to unite in up to 20% of patients even with appropriate immobilization. Recent developments in hardware and surgical technique have allowed stabilization of the fracture with minimal surgical exposure. One prospective randomized series of scaphoid wrist fractures demonstrated shortening of time to union by up to 6 weeks in the surgically treated group, but no difference in rate of union. Surgery may be useful in the younger, more active patient who would benefit from an earlier return to full activity.