An Unusual Case of Spontaneous Healing of a Proximal Pole Scaphoid Non-Union

Abstract

Minimally displaced scaphoid fractures may be treated effectively with non-operative treatment strategies [1, 6]. However, delayed diagnosis of a scaphoid fracture may frequently lead to non-union, especially if the fracture is in the proximal portion of the scaphoid [4, 11]. Proximal pole scaphoid fractures commonly result in non-unions secondary to disruption of the retrograde blood flow. Although proximal pole scaphoid fractures may heal spontaneously, the fracture location leads to non-union in the majority of the cases without surgical intervention. Based on our literature review, there has not been a report of spontaneous healing of an established proximal pole scaphoid non-union. Here, we present an unusual case of healing of a proximal pole scaphoid fracture without surgical intervention or immobilization.