Which carpal bone is most commonly fractured in a fall on an outstretched hand?

Which carpal bone is most commonly fractured in a fall on an outstretched hand?

• A. Scaphoid
• B. Lunate
• C. Pisiform
• D. Capitate

Answer: (A)

A fall on an outstretched hand tends to transmit force through the wrist to the scaphoid, which sits on the thumb side between the radius and the other carpal bones. Its position makes it particularly vulnerable when the hand is extended, especially at the scaphoid’s waist, which is a common fracture site. The blood supply to the scaphoid enters from the distal part and travels toward the proximal pole, so a fracture can disrupt this flow and lead to slow healing or avascular necrosis if not treated promptly. Tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox is a classic sign. While other carpal bones can fracture, the scaphoid is by far the most frequent in FOOSH injuries.

A fall on an outstretched hand tends to transmit force through the wrist to the scaphoid, which sits on the thumb side between the radius and the other carpal bones. Its position makes it particularly vulnerable when the hand is extended, especially at the scaphoid’s waist, which is a common fracture site. The blood supply to the scaphoid enters from the distal part and travels toward the proximal pole, so a fracture can disrupt this flow and lead to slow healing or avascular necrosis if not treated promptly. Tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox is a classic sign. While other carpal bones can fracture, the scaphoid is by far the most frequent in FOOSH injuries.