The scaphoid is one of the eight small bones in the wrist that connect the two forearm bones to those of the hand and fingers. The scaphoid (also call the carpal navicular) is at the base of the thumb and closest to the top forearm bone, the radius.

It is most often broken during a fall when the landing point is on the base of the outstretched hand. Breaks can be of varying severity and thus cause varying amounts of swelling, pain, and tenderness.

After x-rays or other imaging, the physician will determine the type of treatment necessary, from splinting and casting to surgical placement of metal implants.