• OBJECTIVE
    • To determine if the presentation of scaphoid fractures in children has changed.
  • DESIGN
    • Case study with a minimum follow-up of 1 year.
  • SETTING
    • Outpatient orthopedic clinic in an urban pediatric hospital.
  • PATIENTS
    • Twenty-one adolescents (mean age 13.9 years) with scaphoid fractures and an open distal radial growth plate. Fracture healing was assessed at 2-week intervals until union was achieved.
  • INTERVENTIONS
    • Immobilization in a short-arm thumb spica cast.
  • MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
    • Fracture union as defined by the absence of pain and obliteration of the fracture line. Active and passive range of motion of wrist as measured with a goniometer.
  • RESULTS
    • Only 2 of the 21 patients had avulsed fractures. Twelve fractures were located in the middle one-third of the scaphoid. All fractures healed, but two fractures were in a dorsiflexed position. All patients had full, painless range of wrist motion. No arthrosis was present.
  • CONCLUSIONS
    • The presentation of scaphoid fractures in adolescents has changed over the years and now resembles the adult pattern. Malunited scaphoid fractures may be seen. Displaced fractures should be reduced.