What does snuff box tenderness indicate?

Physical Examination The classic hallmark of anatomic snuffbox tenderness on examination is a highly sensitive (90 percent) indication of scaphoid fracture, but it is nonspecific (specificity, 40 percent).

What is a splint for scaphoid fracture?

Typically a thumb spica orthosis is then used for comfort and protection. The 3pp Ez FIT ThumSpica Splint is ideal for protection of the wrist and thumb following a scaphoid fracture.

What are the symptoms of a scaphoid fracture?

Scaphoid fractures are a type of broken wrist. They happen when you break your scaphoid bone — a small bone near the base of your thumb….Symptoms of a scaphoid fracture include:

• Pain.
• Swelling.
• Tenderness.
• Inability to move your wrist.
• Bruising or discoloration.
• A deformity or bump that’s not usually on your wrist.

What is a snuff box fracture?

A scaphoid (navicular) fracture is a break in one of the small bones of the wrist. This type of fracture occurs most often after a fall onto an outstretched hand. Symptoms of a scaphoid fracture typically include pain and tenderness in the area just below the base of the thumb.

When should you suspect a scaphoid fracture?

A doctor will usually suspect a scaphoid break (fracture) by the mechanism of the injury that has happened – for example, a fall on to an outstretched hand. Also, when they examine your wrist and hand, there is a specific point where you are likely to be tender if you have a scaphoid fracture.

Can I use a splint for a scaphoid fracture?

This part of the scaphoid bone has a good blood supply, which is necessary for healing. For this type of fracture, your doctor may place your forearm and hand in a cast or a splint. The cast or splint will usually be below the elbow and include your thumb.

Can you still move your wrist with a scaphoid fracture?

A scaphoid fracture that is correctly treated soon after the injury will take about 12 weeks to heel. But an untreated fracture may take as long as six months to recover from. Untreated patients will also usually experience long-term problems moving their wrist or other complications (see below).

Can a scaphoid fracture heal without a cast?

Whether your treatment is surgical or nonsurgical, you may be required to wear a cast or splint for up to 6 months or until your fracture has healed. Unlike most other fractures, scaphoid fractures tend to heal slowly.

Why is it called a snuff box?

The anatomical snuffbox is visible with ulnar deviation of the wrist and extension and abduction of the thumb. Its name was derived from using the depression as a means of placement for the inhalation of powdered tobacco, otherwise known as dry snuff, and was first described in the medical literature in 1850.

Can you have a scaphoid fracture without snuffbox tenderness?

Tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox is often described as a classical sign of scaphoid fracture with a reported sensitivity of 90% but a low specificity of 40% [5]. Our first two Cases had no snuffbox tenderness, although the proximal pole was tender in Case #2.

Can you move your thumb with a scaphoid fracture?

Most people with a scaphoid fracture (which is the same as a broken wrist) will have pain and/or swelling along the thumb side of the wrist within days following a fall. Because there is no visible deformity and no difficulty with motion, many people with this injury assume that it is a wrist sprain.

What tendons make snuff boxes?

The tendons of two of the outcropping muscles make up the lateral border of the anatomical snuffbox; they are the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis. The medial border of the snuffbox is made up of the remaining outcropping muscle, the extensor pollicis longus.

What is the treatment for snuffbox tenderness post-injury?

Due to high rate of false-negative x-rays in the immediate post-injury period, patients with snuffbox tenderness on exam or suspected fracture should be managed as having a non-displaced fracture due to significant complications that can occur

Why does my snuffbox hurt my wrist?

The tendons of your snuffbox are like small ropes connecting your muscles to the base of your thumb. The tendons (and the sheathes covering them at the wrist) can get irritated from repeated use.

How can I stretch my snuffbox tendons?

You can (gently!) stretch your snuffbox tendons by the thumb-trapping movement described at the beginning of this article. Hold a mild stretch for about 30 seconds. Only move your wrist into the stretch as far as you can go pain free. If you cannot perform the stretch without pain it is definitely time to go see a doctor!

Do you have an anatomical snuff box?

Don’t Injure Your Anatomical Snuff Box! You have a snuffbox! The green triangle is the snuff box. Image Kriota Willberg Here’s how to find it: Bend you elbow so that you can see the back of your hand. Spread your fingers and thumb wide, and look at the place where the tendons of the thumb meet the back of your wrist.