Never Been Wrist

September 12, 2007 8:30 PM

I am almost positive I've fractured the scaphoid in my left hand (I'm right-handed). [I've done it before; all the symptoms line up; doctor pals have taken a look and concurred] I'm currently uninsured and really can't afford to go to PT and have them outfit me with a cast/splint.

So, any advice would be highly appreciated in terms of how I can heal it myself. Specifically:

* How long should I expect it to take to heal?
* Any "over-the-counter" splints/braces that I should buy?

The game plan as it stands is to ice regularly, take ibu, keep it stable through a splint and limited movement. Will this work?

Thanks!

posted by jtajta to health (11 comments total)

Um, you have doctor pals who diagnose, but they don't tell you how long you can expect it to take to heal or what OTC splint/brace to buy?

I recommend asking them.
posted by The World Famous at 8:46 PM on September 12, 2007 [1 favorite]

If you know the position you need to keep it in, and you don't need actual bonesetting before you do that, you should be able to invent your own cast using a cotton wool liner and plaster-of-Paris bandage. The good part about doing this yourself is that the ingredients are all cheap, so if you screw it up or you want to change it when it gets festy, you can just get rid of it and make another one.
posted by flabdablet at 9:13 PM on September 12, 2007

Eh, the scaphoid is one of those picky bones with a limited blood supply. It tends to die if not properly cared for post fracture. Be careful.
posted by i_am_a_Jedi at 9:52 PM on September 12, 2007

There are different sorts of scaphoid fractures and some won't unite spontaneously. Seconding Jedi's caution.
posted by ikkyu2 at 9:59 PM on September 12, 2007

Thirding. You need to get an xray, splint, and if there's a fracture, follow-up with an orthopedist. The scaphoid fracture is one of the first clinical things you learn in anatomy.
posted by gramcracker at 10:07 PM on September 12, 2007

Symptoms of arthritis in the wrist that results from scaphoid nonunion or avascular necrosis include:
* Aching in the wrist
* Decreased range of motion of the wrist
* Pain with activities such as lifting or gripping

You're taking a big risk. You only get two hands.
posted by gramcracker at 10:10 PM on September 12, 2007

Looks like you're in the NY area. I don't know the geography out there, but a quick google search shows this hospital will see you regardless of medical coverage:

NYU (Tisch) Medical Center
State-of-the-art emergency care, regardless of insurance coverage, socioeconomic status, native language, literacy, or disability.

560 First Ave., Kips Bay
Emergency Room: 212-263-5550

Information: 212-263-7300;
Internet: www.med.nyu.edu

Sucks to be without health insurance, I truly hope this helps.
posted by Space Kitty at 12:30 AM on September 13, 2007

It looks like you'll need a doctor.
posted by BrotherCaine at 1:09 AM on September 13, 2007

Nthing seeking appropriate care. This is not a fracture you can leave to chance, even in your non-dominant hand.
posted by roofus at 3:10 AM on September 13, 2007

You can also search http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc/ for a place that'll give you low-cost or free medical care.
posted by needs more cowbell at 4:03 AM on September 13, 2007

Scaphoid is yet another example of unIntelligent Design of our bodies. Avascular Necrosis (death due to no blood supply) is common in these cases. I know it sucks to not have health insurance but please do have it looked.
posted by london302 at 7:02 AM on September 13, 2007