Which type of fracture is associated with a high incidence of nonunion due to tenuous blood supply?

• A. Talus fracture
• B. Scaphoid fracture
• C. Clavicle fracture
• D. Humerus fracture

Answer: (B)

The scaphoid fracture is associated with a high incidence of nonunion primarily because of its unique blood supply. The scaphoid bone, which is located in the wrist, has a retrograde blood flow, meaning that the blood supply to the proximal pole of the scaphoid is dependent on vessels that run along the distal segment of the bone. If a fracture occurs, especially in the waist or proximal region of the scaphoid, the avascular (blood supply deprived) region can develop, leading to nonunion, where the broken ends do not heal together properly.

This vulnerability to nonunion due to compromised blood supply makes early diagnosis and appropriate management of scaphoid fractures critical. While other fractures like talus, clavicle, and humerus can also have complications, they are not as commonly linked to nonunion from blood supply issues as the scaphoid.