Mechanism of carpal fractures from falls on outstretched hand with wrist going into marked dorsiflexion. A, Wrist in marked dorsiflexion. Capitate is at 90-degree angle to radius. B, Scaphoid fractures as result of increased dorsiflexion at midcarpal joint. C, Dorsal lip of radius strikes capitate, causing it to fracture. D, Proximal fragment of capitate is rotated 90 degrees. E, Return of wrist to neutral position. Proximal fragment of capitate is now rotated 180 degrees.