What is the recommended treatment for a patient with tenderness in the anatomic snuffbox after a wrist injury?

Tenderness in the anatomic snuffbox following a wrist injury is a classic sign of a scaphoid fracture. This type of fracture is particularly significant because if not treated appropriately, it can lead to complications such as nonunion or avascular necrosis due to the scaphoid's blood supply being compromised.

The correct management includes immobilizing the wrist in a thumb spica cast, which effectively supports the wrist and thumb, keeping the scaphoid stable for healing. This method provides the necessary immobilization of the scaphoid, allowing for adequate time for the fracture to heal without the risk of further injury.

Other treatment options, while they may seem reasonable in other contexts, do not appropriately address the specific needs of a scaphoid fracture in this scenario. An ace wrap provides minimal support and does not ensure proper immobilization, while closed or open reduction is typically reserved for unstable fractures that do not align properly on their own. Hence, the use of a thumb spica cast is the most appropriate and effective treatment option for a patient presenting with these symptoms after a wrist injury.