Nonoperative treatment for acute scaphoid fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

4 studies were included in this meta-analysis which investigated the efficacy of various non-operative immobilization techniques in the treatment of acute scaphoid fractures. The studies involved a total of 523 patients, and compared below- and above-elbow casting, immobilization with or without inclusion of the thumb, and casting with the wrist in either flexion or extension. The results produced low-quality evidence to suggest that there were no differences between the casting techniques, with the exception that patients with their wrists immobilized in flexion experienced a significant reduction in wrist extension.