What is the snuff box on the hand?

The anatomical snuffbox is a surface anatomy feature described as a triangular depression on the dorsum of the hand at the base of the thumb. The anatomical snuffbox is visible with ulnar deviation of the wrist and extension and abduction of the thumb.

What does the snuff box do?

It is located at the level of the carpal bones, and best seen when the thumb is extended. In the past, this depression was used to hold snuff (ground tobacco) before inhaling via the nose – hence it was given the name ‘snuffbox’.

Where can I find anatomical snuff box?

The anatomical snuffbox (also known as the radial fossa), is a triangular depression found on the lateral aspect of the dorsum of the hand. It is located at the level of the carpal bones and best seen when the thumb is abducted.

What 3 muscles make up the anatomical snuff box?

The anatomical snuffbox (AS) is a depression in wrist’s radial part, limited by the tendons of abductor longus muscle, extensor pollicis brevis and extensor pollicis longus muscles (Latarjet & Ruíz-Liard, 2007).

Do scaphoid fractures show up on xrays?

Standard X-rays may not pick up all scaphoid fractures. This is because the scaphoid bone can ‘hide’ behind the other carpal bones on an X-ray. Special scaphoid view X-rays taken with your hand and wrist in a certain position may help to show up a scaphoid fracture.

Where does scaphoid fracture hurt?

Scaphoid fractures usually cause pain and swelling in the anatomic snuffbox and on the thumb side of the wrist. The pain may be severe when you move your thumb or wrist, or when you try to pinch or grasp something. Unless your wrist is deformed, it might not be obvious that your scaphoid bone is broken.

What structure does not lie in the anatomical snuff box?

It should not be mistaken however, for the radial pulse, which is located anterolaterally in the distal forearm and not within the anatomical snuffbox! Secondly, with the hand deviated towards the ulna, the scaphoid becomes palpable on the floor of the snuffbox.

What does a broken scaphoid feel like?

A scaphoid fracture causes tenderness directly over the bone and the pain may increase when you move your thumb or grip things. Your initial pain may decrease over days or weeks and because there is no significant bruising or swelling they are often mistaken for a sprained wrist.

What is a snuff box test?

Examiner places one hand on the patient’s wrist to stabilize the hand while using the other hand to palpate the patient’s anatomic snuffbox. Performing the Test. The anatomical snuffbox is formed by three tendons and the scaphoid (navicular) bone.