The Anatomical Snuffbox

Question 1

What are the borders of the anatomical snuffbox?

Answer 1

Ulnar (medial border) tendon of the ectensor pollicus longus.
Radial (lateral border)= tendon of the abductor pollicus longus and the extensor pollicus brevis
Proximal border= styloid proccess of radius, and the floor is made of the carpal bones such as the scaphoid and the trapezium. The roof is made of skin

Question 2

What are the contents of the anatomical snuffbox?

Answer 2

Radial artery, branch of the radial nerve and the cephalic veins

Question 3

When can a fracture of the scaphoid happen?

Answer 3

In a blow to the wrist the scaphoid will take most of the force.

Question 4

What are some of the features of s scaphoid fracture?

Answer 4

Localised pain in the anatomical snuffbox

Question 5

What are the issues if a fracture of the scaphoid recieves no treatment?

Answer 5

The blood supply in the scaphoid runs distal to proximal, and therefore the scaphoid could undergo avascular necrosis, and this could lead to future arthritis