CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which carpal bone is most commonly fractured?

1. Scaphoid

2. Lunate

3. Triquetrum

4. Capitate

The correct answer is: Scaphoid

The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone primarily due to its anatomical location and the mechanics involved in wrist injuries. This bone is situated at the base of the thumb and plays a crucial role in wrist stability and motion. When a person falls onto an outstretched hand, the scaphoid is often subjected to significant force, leading to fractures, particularly at the waist of the bone. The vascular supply to the scaphoid is also a factor in its fracture healing. The blood supply enters from the distal part of the bone; therefore, when a fracture occurs, especially near the waist, it can lead to complications such as avascular necrosis due to insufficient blood flow. This further emphasizes the importance of correctly identifying and treating scaphoid fractures to ensure proper healing. Contrastingly, the lunate, triquetrum, and capitate bones, while they can also be subject to injury, do not exhibit the same frequency of fractures as the scaphoid. The lunate is connected to more complex wrist injuries, and triquetrum and capitate fractures are far less common. Hence, recognizing the scaphoid as the most frequently fractured carpal bone is critical for radiographers and healthcare professionals when assessing wrist