A 56-year-old woman visits the emergency department after falling on wet pavement. Radiographic examination reveals osteoporosis and a Colles' fracture. Which of the following carpal bones are often fractured or dislocated with a Colles' fracture?: (A) Triquetrum and scaphoid, (B) Triquetrum and lunate, (C) Scaphoid and lunate, (D) Triquetrum, lunate, and scaphoid
Answer is C. The scaphoid and lunate carpal bones are in closest articulation with the radius, which is fractured in a Colles' fracture; therefore, they would most likely be disrupted or fractured. The other carpal bones listed do not have direct contact with the radius and have a more distal location; therefore, they would not be as likely to be injured with a Colles' fracture.