Vascularity of the lunate

Abstract

Kienböck’s disease is a condition thought to be caused or associated with a vascular disorder of the lunate. This chapter explores the vascular anatomy of the lunate and provides a clearer understanding of both the arterial and venous systems of the lunate. The normal anatomical variants are considered to be factors which place the individual at risk of developing Kienböck’s disease. The arterial anatomy of the lunate has been described by Lee and Gelberman. There are cases with the single volar artery, which may be a risk factor for developing Kienböck’s avascular necrosis. Crock described the subarticular venous plexus, which is directly adjacent to the subchondral bone plate. Pichler described the volar and dorsal peri-lunate venous plexus. These complex arterial and venous systems are important in the arterial supply and venous drainage of the lunate.