W e compared the long-term outcome in 61 patients (62 fractures) treated operatively or conservatively for an acute fracture of the carpal scaphoid. A total of 30 fractures was randomised to conservative treatment using a cast and 32 to operative treatment using a Herbert bone screw. The duration of sick leave was shorter for patients treated by operation, but this was only significant in patients with blue-collar occupations. There were no differences between the groups in respect of function, radiological healing of the fracture, or carpal arthritis after follow-up at 12 years. Those managed by operation showed radiological signs of arthritis of the scaphotrapezial joint more often, but this finding did not correlate with subjective symptoms. Operative treatment of an acute fracture of the scaphoid allows early return of function and should be regarded as an alternative to conservative treatment in patients in whom immobilisation in a cast for three months is not acceptable for reasons related to sports, social life or work.