X-RayMusculoskeletalIntroductory

Scaphoid fracture

musculoskeletalwristtraumacarpalavascular necrosissnuffbox

Clinical presentation

Young adult with wrist pain and anatomical snuffbox tenderness after a fall onto an outstretched hand.

Key imaging findings

  • Lucent fracture line, most commonly through the scaphoid waist
  • Best seen on a dedicated scaphoid (ulnar-deviated PA) view
  • Initial radiographs may be normal despite clinical fracture
  • MRI or delayed radiographs reveal occult fractures

Form your diagnosis, then reveal the answer.

Educational teaching content only. Imaging appearances vary; always correlate clinically and confirm with a qualified radiologist.