DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF ADULT PATIENTS WITH SCAPHOID FRACTURES IN POPULATION OF DISTRICT D.I.KHAN, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Scaphoid fractures are common and account for 60-70 % of all carpal fractures. The objectives of this study were to determine the demographic and clinical profiles of adult patients with scaphoid fractures in population of District D.I.Khan, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Orthopedics, Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan, Pakistan from January 2015 to December 2019. Sample size was 40. Demographic variables were sex, age groups and time to presentation in weeks. Research variables were; cause, laterality, site, management options, time to union in months and presence of infection. All variables were categorical and analyzed by count and percentages for sample and as CI at 80% CL for proportion for population using Wilson score for binomial distribution. Results: Forty patients included 34 (85%) men & 16 (15%) women, 24 (60%) in 17-30 and 16 (40%) in age group 31-50 years. Time to presentation was ≤1 week of injury in 19 (47.5%) patients and 21 (52.5%) presented later. Cause was fall on out-stretched hand in 27 (67.5%) and RTA in 13 (32.5%) patients. Right hand was involved in 29 (72.5%), left in 9 (22.5%) while bilateral in 2 (5%) patients. Site of fracture was waist in 24 (60%), proximal pole 11 (27.5%) and distal pole 5 (12.5%) cases. Conservative treatment was done in 7 (17.50%) patients, percutaneous screw fixation 7 (17.50%), open reduction and internal fixation through palmar in 11 (27.50%) and though dorsal 15 (37.50%) cases. Time to union was ≤3 in 7 (17.50%), >3-6 months 29 (72.5%), while >6 months in 4 (10%) patients. Presence of infection was 1/40 (2.38%). Conclusion: Scaphoid fractures are more common in men and younger adults and most are presented within a week of injury. These are caused mostly by fall on outstretched hand, involving right hand and involving waist. Substantial number of cases requires open reduction with internal fixation. Mostly unite in 3-6 months.