The anatomical snuffbox (also known as the radial fossa), is a triangular depression found on the lateral aspect of the dorsum of the hand. It is located at the level of the carpal bones, and best seen when the thumb is extended.

In the past, this depression was used to hold snuff (ground tobacco) before inhaling via the nose - hence it was given the name 'snuffbox'.

In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the anatomical snuffbox - its borders, contents, and any clinical correlations.

[caption id="attachment_6200" align="aligncenter" width="298"] Fig 1 - The left anatomical snuffbox. Note its lateral position on the dorsum of the hand[/caption]

Borders

As the snuffbox is triangularly shaped, it has three borders, a floor, and a roof:

Ulnar (medial) border : Tendon of the extensor pollicis longus.

: Tendon of the extensor pollicis longus. Radial (lateral) border : Tendons of the extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus.

: Tendons of the extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus. Proximal border : Styloid process of the radius.

: Styloid process of the radius. Floor : Carpal bones; scaphoid and trapezium.

: Carpal bones; scaphoid and trapezium. Roof: Skin.

(Note: The terms medial and lateral are used in the context of the anatomical position, where the forearm is supinated. Take care when describing these borders, as when observing a patient's anatomical snuffbox, the forearm is usually pronated).

It is important to note that the tendons of the muscles form the borders, not the muscles themselves.

[caption id="attachment_71617" align="aligncenter" width="472"] Fig 2 – The tendinous borders of the anatomical snuffbox.[/caption]