The scaphoid bone is a small bone on the thumb side of the wrist. It is commonly injured during sporting activities such as football, rugby, hockey, skiing, cycling and motorsport.
The blood supply to the scaphoid bone runs back on itself, while in other parts of the body it runs forward. This means that the bone can be slow to heal, or sometimes not heal at all. If it doesn't heal this can lead to arthritis giving rise to a painful and stiff wrist.
It is very important that investigations are done to rule out a scaphoid fracture if you have had an injury to your wrist.
For more info see:-
Scaphoid fractures – Rupert Wharton
References:-
Davis TRC. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2013; 95: 171–176 doi 10.1308/003588413X13511609956895