Hi! I'm not exactly sure which board would be best to post this on...just looking for input from anyone who's experienced anything like this.
My husband fell on some ice last week and landed on his right hand. His wrist immediately hurt and was difficult to move, so he headed to the ER. Thy took xrays and the doctor said he didn't see a fracture. Then a few minutes later he came back in and said he DID see a chip fracture of one of the carpal bones. They put him in a splint and referred him to an orthopedic. Three days later, the ortho doc took more xrays and his diagnosis was "questionable hairline fracture of the scaphoid waist". They put him in a cast and will do more xrays in two weeks. He said if the fracture still shows up, they will treat it accordingly. If there is no fracture, it will be treated as a sprain.
So here's my question. Is it very common to have a "questionable" fracture show up, and then two weeks later there be NO fracture? I know scaphoid fractures often don't show on initial xrays, but I'm just wondering because the doctor did see something. Or are we just hoping against hope that there will be no fracture when he goes back? Has anyone experienced this before?
Also, does anyone know if there is a fracture of the scaphoid waist, will this be treated with a short cast or a full arm cast?
I obviously wasn't thinking of all the question to ask at his appointment, and I can't reach the guy on the phone!
Thanks for any help or input!