Palpation of the anatomical snuffbox helps identify which carpal bone?

Palpation of the anatomical snuffbox helps identify which carpal bone?

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

Answer: (B)

Palpation of the anatomical snuffbox specifically locates the scaphoid bone. This small triangular hollow on the back of the hand at the base of the thumb is bordered laterally by the tendons of abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis, and medially by the tendon of extensor pollicis longus. The floor of the snuffbox is formed mainly by the scaphoid (with part of the trapezium). Because the scaphoid lies right beneath this area, tenderness there after a fall on an outstretched hand is a classic sign of a scaphoid fracture. The other carpal bones listed don’t lie in this region and aren’t assessed through the snuffbox.

Palpation of the anatomical snuffbox specifically locates the scaphoid bone. This small triangular hollow on the back of the hand at the base of the thumb is bordered laterally by the tendons of abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis, and medially by the tendon of extensor pollicis longus. The floor of the snuffbox is formed mainly by the scaphoid (with part of the trapezium). Because the scaphoid lies right beneath this area, tenderness there after a fall on an outstretched hand is a classic sign of a scaphoid fracture. The other carpal bones listed don’t lie in this region and aren’t assessed through the snuffbox.