The Bones of the Hand: Carpals, Metacarpals and Phalanges

Carpal Bones

The carpal bones are a group of eight irregularly shaped bones. They are organised into two rows – proximal and distal:

• Proximal row:
  • Scaphoid
  • Lunate
  • Triquetrum
  • Pisiform (a sesamoid bone, formed within the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris)
• Distal row:
  • Trapezium
  • Trapezoid
  • Capitate
  • Hamate (has a projection on its palmar surface, known as the ‘hook of hamate’

In the proximal row, the scaphoid and lunate articulate with the radius to form the wrist joint (radiocarpal joint). The distal row of carpal bones articulate with the metacarpals at the carpometacarpal joints.

The carpal bones collectively form an arch in the coronal plane. A membranous band, the flexor retinaculum, spans between the medial and lateral edges of the arch, forming the carpal tunnel. Structures pass through the carpal tunnel to enter and exit the volar (anterior) aspect of the hand.

By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025)

Fig 2
Palmar view of the carpal bones of the left hand.

By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025)

Fig 3
Transverse section of the carpal tunnel.

Clinical Relevance

Scaphoid Fracture

The scaphoid bone of the hand is the most commonly fractured carpal bone – typically by falling on an outstretched hand (FOOSH).

In a fracture of the scaphoid, the characteristic clinical feature is pain and tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox.

The scaphoid is at particular risk of avascular necrosis after fracture because of its so-called ‘retrograde blood supply’ which enters at its distal end. This means that a fracture to the middle (or ‘waist’) of the scaphoid may interrupt the blood supply to the proximal part of the scaphoid bone rendering it avascular.

Patients with a missed scaphoid fracture are likely to develop osteoarthritis of the wrist in later life.

By Gilo1969 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Fig 4
Radiograph of a scaphoid fracture.

Adapted from work by Iiibalesiii [CC BY-SA 4.0]

Fig 5
The blood supply to the scaphoid bone runs from distal to proximal.

Metacarpal Bones

The metacarpal bones articulate proximally with the carpals, and distally with the proximal phalanges. They are numbered, and each is associated with a digit:

• Metacarpal I – thumb.
• Metacarpal II – index finger.
• Metacarpal III – middle finger.
• Metacarpal IV – ring finger.
• Metacarpal V – little finger.

Each metacarpal consists of a base, shaft and a head. The medial and lateral surfaces of the metacarpals are concave, allowing attachment of the interossei muscles.

Clinical Relevance

Fractures of the Metacarpals

The metacarpal bones are common sites of injury. Two common fracture patterns include:

• Boxer’s fracture – A fracture of the 5th metacarpal neck. It is usually caused by a clenched fist striking a hard object.  The distal part of the fracture can become angulated, producing shortening of the affected finger.

• Bennett’s fracture – A fracture of the 1st metacarpal base, caused by forced hyperabduction of the thumb. This fracture extends into the first carpometacarpal joint leading to instability and subluxation of the joint. As a result, it often needs surgical repair.

By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025)

Fig 6
Bennett’s fracture.

Phalanges

The phalanges are the bones of the fingers. Each phalanx consists of a base, a shaft and a head.

The thumb has a proximal and distal phalanx, while the rest of the digits have proximal, middle and distal phalanges.