Hand · Short bone
Scaphoid Bone
The scaphoid is one of the eight wrist bones, on the thumb side. It is the wrist bone most often broken in a fall onto an outstretched hand, and it can be tricky to heal.
What it is
The scaphoid is a small, boat-shaped carpal bone at the base of the thumb side of the wrist.
Where it is
The wrist, on the thumb side, in the hollow at the base of the thumb ("anatomical snuffbox").
What it does
Links the two rows of wrist bones and contributes to wrist movement and stability.
Connections
Joints and connections
- Joints with the radius and other carpal bones
When things go wrong
Common injuries and conditions
- Scaphoid fracture — commonly missed on early X-rays; can heal poorly because of its limited blood supply
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms; it is not a diagnosis. A severe injury, a visibly deformed limb, or the inability to move or bear weight needs urgent assessment — call 999 or go to A&E for a serious injury.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
Because the scaphoid has a poor blood supply, a fracture is sometimes immobilised even when the first X-ray looks normal, to prevent problems healing.
Answers
Scaphoid Bone: frequently asked questions
Why are scaphoid fractures serious?
The scaphoid has a limited blood supply, so a fracture can be slow to heal or fail to heal, and it is easily missed on early X-rays. That is why suspected scaphoid injuries are treated cautiously.
Explore the hand
Related bones
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Anatomy and body systems
- Gray's Anatomy for Students (Drake, Vogl, Mitchell)
- TeachMeAnatomy — skeletal system
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