Does a scaphoid fracture of the wrist require a cast for healing?

Most doctors recommend and use a cast to heal a non-displaced scaphoid fracture, says UW Health. Doctors use either a short arm cast or a long arm cast depending on the severity and the shape of the fracture. Displaced scaphoid fractures require surgery to heal.

To treat a non-displaced scaphoid fracture, some physicians let patients use the long arm cast for six weeks and then change to a short arm cast until the fracture heals, says UW Health. Other doctors prefer the use of a short arm cast for three months accompanied by the use of a splint for two months. If the fracture does not heal, a person may undergo surgery.