Home › Body Atlas › Joints › Anatomical Snuffbox

Anatomical Snuffbox

tabatiere anatomique

The anatomical snuffbox is the triangular depression on the radial dorsal wrist between the extensor pollicis longus tendon (ulnar boundary), the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons (radial boundary), and the radial styloid process (proximal). Its floor contains the scaphoid bone, the trapezium, and the radial artery passing deep to the tendons on its way to the deep palmar arch.

Region: Hand & Wrist

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox after wrist trauma is the classic clinical sign of a scaphoid fracture, even when initial radiographs are normal. The high clinical sensitivity of snuffbox tenderness mandates CT or MRI if plain films are negative and the mechanism is consistent. The radial artery passing through the snuffbox is accessed for Allen test assessment and for radial artery harvest for coronary artery bypass grafting. The superficial branch of the radial nerve crosses the floor of the snuffbox and is at risk in de Quervain release and snuffbox incisions.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Scaphoid Fracture Detected by Snuffbox Tenderness

Snuffbox tenderness after a fall on the outstretched hand is the most sensitive physical sign of scaphoid fracture even with a normal initial radiograph; the high non-union rate of untreated scaphoid fractures mandates CT or MRI if initial films are negative, with immobilisation or surgical fixation depending on the fracture pattern.