Scaphoid Fracture

It’s a sunny weekend, and you’re mountain biking near Snoqualmie Pass. You take a spill on a rocky descent and throw your hand out to break the fall. The urgent care X-ray looks normal, and you’re told it’s “just a sprain.” But a week later, the pain at the base of your thumb hasn’t gone away—and that’s a red flag for a scaphoid fracture, one of the trickiest wrist injuries to diagnose.

The scaphoid is a small bone near the thumb that plays a key role in wrist stability. Because of its shape and limited blood supply, fractures here don’t always show up right away on X-rays. Left untreated, they can heal poorly, leading to chronic pain, loss of motion, or even arthritis. What seems like a simple sprain can become a long-term problem if the fracture isn’t recognized early.

If you’ve had a fall and still have wrist pain—especially tenderness at the base of the thumb—it’s important to be evaluated by a surgeon who treats scaphoid injuries. With Ortho Compass, you can connect quickly to local hand and wrist specialists without waiting weeks for a referral. Early diagnosis and treatment can mean the difference between a smooth recovery and lasting wrist problems.