Tenderness along the triangular deepening on the radial dorsal hand is called which finding?

• A. Snuff Box Tenderness
• B. Anatomic Snuff Box
• C. Dorsal Wrist Tenderness
• D. Carpal Tunnel Tenderness

Answer: (A)

The area you’re palpating on the radial dorsal hand is the anatomic snuff box, a small triangular hollow bounded by the tendons that extend the thumb. Tenderness in this spot is called snuff box tenderness. It’s a classic sign after a fall on an outstretched hand and raises concern for a scaphoid fracture, since the scaphoid lies directly beneath this region. The term anatomic snuff box refers to the area itself, not the finding of tenderness. Dorsal wrist tenderness is a broader description and can reflect other injuries, while carpal tunnel tenderness points to median nerve issues and isn’t the same sign.