Which fracture is specifically related to a low blood supply and has poor healing?

The navicular fracture, also known as a scaphoid fracture, is particularly significant in the context of blood supply and healing. The scaphoid bone, located in the wrist, has a unique blood supply that is mainly retrograde, meaning that blood flows to the distal part of the bone and must travel through the bone tissue to reach the proximal part. If the fracture occurs in the proximal portion, the compromised blood supply can lead to avascular necrosis, where bone tissue dies due to lack of blood, resulting in poor healing and potential complications.

This characteristic sets the navicular or scaphoid fracture apart from other fractures, which may have more robust blood supply and thus a better healing prognosis. Understanding the healing dynamics and blood supply intricacies associated with the scaphoid is critical for proper diagnosis and treatment, making this type of fracture unique in its management and implications.