Vascularity of the carpus

Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2001 Feb:(383):47-59. doi: 10.1097/00003086-200102000-00008.

Abstract

Relatively few studies investigating the vascular patterns of the carpus have been performed. Technical difficulties in identifying small vessels in three dimensions and in determining their location within the thick ligaments about the wrist have led to conflicting anatomic reports. Studies on cadavers in which improved techniques with arterial injection, chemical debridement, and decalcification were used allowed the arterial anatomy of the carpus to be delineated more accurately. The current authors review these arterial patterns, with attention given to the extraosseous and intraosseous vascularities.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carpal Bones / blood supply*
  • Hand / blood supply
  • Humans
  • Lunate Bone / blood supply
  • Osteonecrosis / diagnosis
  • Osteonecrosis / pathology
  • Radial Artery / anatomy & histology
  • Scaphoid Bone / blood supply
  • Ulnar Artery / anatomy & histology