Scaphoid fracture in the elderly: a review

Abstract

Although scaphoid fractures are relatively common encounters in orthopaedic and trauma surgery, the demographics of these injuries are not well studied. The classical teaching in the subject limits scaphoid fractures in the age between ten and 60 years (or 70 years in other sources). The incidence or the prevalence of scaphoid fractures in the elderly population is not focused on and not studied or explored. We reviewed the literature for any available epidemiological studies of scaphoid fractures. We also sought the available data of scaphoid fractures in the elderly population in case series and case reports which have relevant data on the subject. Four epidemiological studies, two case series, and one case report are included. We discuss the available data in these articles and conclude that scaphoid fractures in the elderly, although rare, have been reported. However, there are not enough epidemiological studies to draw figures. Ignorance of this proportion of population could result in missed fractures in the elderly. Therefore, we encourage researchers to carry out epidemiological studies of scaphoid fractures with more focus on this population group.