Which carpal bone is most frequently fractured?

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

Answer: (C)

Scaphoid fractures are the most common carpal bone injuries. This bone sits on the thumb side of the wrist and is stressed when you fall on an outstretched hand with the wrist extended, making it more likely to crack than other carpal bones. Pain is often felt in the anatomic snuffbox, and initial X-rays can be negative, so immobilization and follow-up imaging (MRI or CT) are used if suspicion remains. A key point is the scaphoid’s retrograde blood supply from the radial artery, which means a fracture—especially in the proximal pole—can lead to avascular necrosis or nonunion if not treated promptly. Other carpal bones can fracture, but far less often, so this bone is the best answer.