History: 52 year-old male who fell directly onto his right hand with pain and swelling. An initial X-ray was negative for fracture in the Emergency Department. He was evaluated by Dr. Franko who recognized a subtle scaphoid fracture and recommended either non-operative (cast) or operative (surgery) treatment. Because the patient desired a faster return to work, activities, and strengthening while avoiding a long-term cast treatment, he elected for surgery.

Diagnosis: Right scaphoid waist fracture

Treatment: Right scaphoid mini-open internal fixation

Outcome: By 6 weeks the fracture was healing and he was aggressively working on motion with therapy. He had minimal pain and had returned to full work. At 3 months a CT scan showed the fracture was fully healed and by 5 months he had fully regained motion without any pain or discomfort.