Bilateral simultaneously traumatic fracture of the scaphoid: a case report

Despite scaphoid fractures are common, simultaneously bilateral scaphoid fractures are rare cases. Most fractures of the scaphoid, especially the nondisplaced fractures of the waist and distal part, are able to heal spontaneously with proper casting. Although the scaphoid fracture is commonly seen among patients who fell on their outstretched hands, those with a history of falling on both hands are rarely seen and bilaterality should not be overlooked. It may be necessary to review the treatment plan once again in bilateral cases. A 48-year-old male patient was referred to our hand surgery clinic with below elbow thumb spica cast on his right hand 3 days after trauma. When the detailed history was questioned, it was observed that the patient fell from a height of 8 meters, there was pain in his right hand when he was in the emergency room, and pain in his left hand began after he had left the emergency room. The patients X-ray and CT images for his both hands were obtained. Bilateral acute simultaneous nondisplaced scaphoid waist fractures were diagnosed and bilateral compression screw fixation was planned. However, patient didnt accept the operation and bilateral below elbow thumb spica casts were applied. Complete union and normal wrist range of motion were achieved. The major challange of this case is the treatment because applying bilateral cast causes difficulties in performing his daily activities besides loss of work hours. Although, most of nondisplaced waist fractures can be treated with proper casting in bilateral cases surgical treatment is considered one step ahead from casting. [Hand Microsurg 2021; 10(2.000): 164-168