Which carpal bone is the most commonly fractured?

Which carpal bone is the most commonly fractured?

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

Answer: (B)

FoOSH injuries commonly fracture the scaphoid because it lies at the thumb side of the wrist and bears much of the load when the hand is outstretched. Its position bridges the proximal and distal carpal rows, so force transmitted through the radius often concentrates there, making it the most frequently fractured carpal bone. A key clinical point is the blood supply: it enters from the distal aspect, so a fracture, especially near the proximal pole, can jeopardize perfusion and lead to nonunion or avascular necrosis if not recognized and treated promptly. While other carpal bones like the lunate, capitate, or triquetral can fracture, they occur less commonly, which is why the scaphoid is the best answer.

FoOSH injuries commonly fracture the scaphoid because it lies at the thumb side of the wrist and bears much of the load when the hand is outstretched. Its position bridges the proximal and distal carpal rows, so force transmitted through the radius often concentrates there, making it the most frequently fractured carpal bone. A key clinical point is the blood supply: it enters from the distal aspect, so a fracture, especially near the proximal pole, can jeopardize perfusion and lead to nonunion or avascular necrosis if not recognized and treated promptly. While other carpal bones like the lunate, capitate, or triquetral can fracture, they occur less commonly, which is why the scaphoid is the best answer.