Transient vascular compromise of the lunate after fracture-dislocation or ³

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dislocation of the carpus. Á White RE Jr. Omer GE Jr. Journal of Hand Surgery - American Volume. 9(2):181-4, 1984 Mar. Although classic avascular necrosis of the lunate is rare after fracture-dislocation or dislocation of the carpus, these severe carpal injuries can compromise the vascular supply of the lunate. The lunate thus develops a relative increase in radiodensity. Our finding of an incidence * of 12.5%--three of 24 cases--suggests a relatively frequent occurrence. The clinical course was transient with resolution of abnormal radiodensity and subjective findings. Moreover, none of the three cases progressed to classic avascular necrosis of the lunate, Kienbock's disease. The Á clinician should not confuse this transient vascular compromise of the lunate with Kienbock's disease, but should be aware of the entity and its benign, self-limited course and should treat it expectantly. *