CTAS 4: A 24-year-old falls onto an outstretched hand while skating. Vitals are normal. There is snuffbox tenderness and pain with axial thumb

Question

CTAS 4: A 24-year-old falls onto an outstretched hand while skating. Vitals are normal. There is snuffbox tenderness and pain with axial thumb loading. Wrist radiographs show no fracture. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Immobilise in a thumb-spica splint and arrange follow-up imaging

Answer

Order serum urate before immobilisation

Answer

Apply a volar splint and allow contact sport

Answer

Discharge without immobilisation because x-ray is normal

Answer

Perform bedside incision and drainage

Scaphoid fracture with normal initial radiograph — RCPSC EM MCQ

CTAS 4: A 24-year-old falls onto an outstretched hand while skating. Vitals are normal. There is snuffbox tenderness and pain with axial thumb loading. Wrist radiographs show no fracture. What is the most appropriate next step?