Which wrist position best demonstrates the navicular (scaphoid) bone?

Which wrist position best demonstrates the navicular (scaphoid) bone?

• A. Lateral
• B. AP
• C. Ulnar flexion
• D. Ulnar deviation

Answer: (D)

The key idea is to reduce bone overlap on the image so the scaphoid (navicular) can be seen clearly. Rotating the wrist toward the ulna (ulnar deviation) moves the scaphoid away from the surrounding carpal bones and the distal radius, placing it in a clearer plane. This decreases superimposition and opens up the space around the scaphoid, making fractures—especially those in the waist—much more detectable on a radiograph. Other positions tend to keep the scaphoid overlapped by the radius or adjacent bones, so they don’t visualize the bone as well. That’s why this wrist position is preferred for assessing the navicular bone.

The key idea is to reduce bone overlap on the image so the scaphoid (navicular) can be seen clearly. Rotating the wrist toward the ulna (ulnar deviation) moves the scaphoid away from the surrounding carpal bones and the distal radius, placing it in a clearer plane. This decreases superimposition and opens up the space around the scaphoid, making fractures—especially those in the waist—much more detectable on a radiograph.

Other positions tend to keep the scaphoid overlapped by the radius or adjacent bones, so they don’t visualize the bone as well. That’s why this wrist position is preferred for assessing the navicular bone.