Scaphoid

The most lateral bone of the proximal carpal row, articulating with the radius and four other carpal bones. Boat-shaped, with proximal pole, waist, and distal tubercle. Approximately 80% covered by articular cartilage; the dorsal ridge is the principal vascular entry.

Related terms

• Condition

  Avascular necrosis (AVN)

  Death of bone tissue from interruption of vascular supply. In the scaphoid, AVN typically affects the proximal pole following waist or proximal pole fractures, where the dorsal ridge blood supply is disrupted.

• Condition

  Humpback deformity

  A flexion deformity of the scaphoid following waist fracture or non-union, in which the distal fragment flexes relative to the proximal fragment, producing a dorsal apex (humpback) on the lateral view and disrupting carpal alignment.

• Condition

  SNAC wrist (scaphoid non-union advanced collapse)

  The pattern of progressive wrist osteoarthritis that develops over years from untreated scaphoid non-union. Three Watson stages: I radial styloid arthrosis; II scaphocapitate; III periscapholunate with capitolunate involvement.

Articles mentioning this term

1. FESSH preparation · 26 September 2026

   Clinical examination of the hand and wrist

   Hand and wrist examination for FESSH candidates: how accurate the Phalen, Tinel, scratch collapse, Elson, Watson, grind, fovea and Allen tests really are.

2. FESSH preparation · 3 May 2026

   Carpal tunnel syndrome

   Expert review of carpal tunnel syndrome for FESSH candidates and consultant peers — anatomy, diagnosis, AAOS 2024 guideline, surgical controversies, recurrent CTS workup. Vancouver-cited.

3. FESSH preparation · 29 April 2026

   Scaphoid fractures: contemporary diagnosis and management

   Scaphoid fracture diagnosis, the SWIFFT evidence, current European practice, and stratified treatment of non-union and SNAC wrist.

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