Summary: | Introduction. Scaphoid fractures are rare in childhood. Diagnosis is very
difficult to establish because carpal bones are not fully ossified. In
suspected cases comparative or delayed radiography is used, as well as
computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and bone
scintigraphy. Majority of scaphoid fractures are treated conservatively with
good results. In case of delayed fracture healing various types of treatment
are available. Objective. To determine the mechanism of injury, clinical
healing process, types and outcome of treatment of scaphoid fractures in
children. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed patients with traumatic closed
fracture of the scaphoid bone over a ten-year period (2002-2011). The outcome
of the treatment of “acute” scaphoid fracture was evaluated using the Mayo
Wrist Score. Results. There were in total 34 patients, of mean age 13.8
years, with traumatic closed fracture of the scaphoid bone, whose bone growth
was not finished yet. Most common injury mechanism was fall on outstretched
arm - 76% of patients. During the examined period 31 children with “acute”
fracture underwent conservative treatment, with average immobilization period
of 51 days. Six patients were lost to follow-up. In the remaining 25
patients, after completed rehabilitation, functional results determined by
the Mayo Wrist Score were excellent. Conclusion. Conservative therapy of
“acute” scaphoid fractures is an acceptable treatment option for pediatric
patients with excellent functional results.
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