There are 8 small bones in the wrist called the ‘carpal’ bones. These are the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, trapezoid, trapezium, hamate, capitate and pisiform.
An impact or fall on the palm of an outstretched hand can cause a fracture to one or more of these bones.
Often these fractures are not clearly visible on x-ray and a CT or MRI scan may be required to diagnose the injury.
Treatment depends on the bone involved, the displacement of the fracture and other associated injuries (i.e. ligament disruption). These injuries may require splinting and therapy, or surgery.
