Upper limb mnemonic

Carpal bones, lateral to medial, proximal row then distal row

The mnemonic

Some Lovers Try Positions That They Can't Handle

What each word stands for

  • SomeScaphoid
  • LoversLunate
  • TryTriquetrum
  • PositionsPisiform
  • ThatTrapezium
  • TheyTrapezoid
  • Can'tCapitate
  • HandleHamate

Why it matters clinically

Scaphoid is the most frequently fractured carpal bone; the lunate is the most commonly dislocated.

Where it stops being reliable

Orders the bones as seen from the palm side with the thumb lateral; check the orientation your textbook uses.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Upper limb mnemonic?

Some Lovers Try Positions That They Can't Handle. It helps you recall: Carpal bones, lateral to medial, proximal row then distal row.

What does "Some" stand for?

Scaphoid

What does "Lovers" stand for?

Lunate

What does "Try" stand for?

Triquetrum

What are all the parts of the Some Lovers Try Positions That They Can't Handle mnemonic?

Some: Scaphoid; Lovers: Lunate; Try: Triquetrum; Positions: Pisiform; That: Trapezium; They: Trapezoid; Can't: Capitate; Handle: Hamate.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Upper limb in Anatomy.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Orders the bones as seen from the palm side with the thumb lateral; check the orientation your textbook uses.

How is this useful clinically?

Scaphoid is the most frequently fractured carpal bone; the lunate is the most commonly dislocated.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Anatomy question about Upper limb.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.