Abstract: Objective To explore the key points of injury mechanism of scaphoid fracture in forensic expertise and to provide the references for forensic practices. Methods Forty-three cases of injury mechanism identification of scaphoid fracture were selected from 2007 to 2011 in Institute of Forensic Evidence, Chinese Criminal Police Academy. Following aspects were analyzed: missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis at first visit, fracture classifications, accompanying injuries and mechanism of injury. Results The rates of missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis were high in the cases of scaphoid fractures, most common in the fracture of the waist. The disagreement on mechanism of injury was whether it was due to direct impact or indirect effect by falling. Conclusion Wrist hyperextension due to fall with palm impact on the ground was the main cause of scaphoid fracture.

Key words: forensic medicine, fractures, bone, scaphoid bone, injury mechanism