Question from Heinz-Dieter H.: At the beginning of November, I suffered a scaphoid fracture in my right hand after a fall on my racing bike. The fracture was repaired with a screw within a week. I still have to wear a forearm plaster cast at the moment. The doctors' statements as to when I will be able to put weight on my arm again during sport vary greatly. I would like to take part in the Vätternrundan in June 2011. Is this possible from a sports medicine point of view or should I cancel?
Answer from Dr Christian Merkl: A scaphoid fracture is usually a complicated, protracted injury that is often overlooked. There is also a high risk of so-called pseudarthrosis, which occurs if the fracture ends do not heal properly. In principle, treatment can be non-surgical (conservative) or, as in your case, surgical, which reduces the risk of pseudarthrosis. You should wait until the wound has healed before assessing your ability to bear weight. However, 14 days after the operation, you can already exercise lightly on the ergometer with a plaster cast. Later on, you can also do strength training on the roller trainer with a triathlon attachment (recumbent joint). Once the plaster cast is off, you can also cycle outdoors with triathlon handlebars. You should avoid weight-bearing activities until the fracture has healed completely, usually after twelve weeks. The healing phase can be supported by lymphatic drainage, physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory medication. Once the bone has healed, it is possible to increase the amount of exercise, up to intensive training after six months - provided the healing process goes well. Participation in the Vätternrundan therefore seems entirely possible.
