Abstract
A wide spectrum of conditions can trigger signal alterations in the lunate bone. From
vascular complications such as Kienböck's disease to axial microtrauma in ulnocarpal
impaction syndrome, the lunate signal is an essential indicator of carpal health.
Many of the pathologies described in this review rely on magnetic resonance imaging
for analysis; however combined assessment of patient history, clinical symptoms, and
imaging is often the only way to find the correct diagnosis. Standard radiography
serves as the first-line modality for diagnostic assessment in most patients, but
morphological analyses are more precise when based on high-resolution computed tomography
imaging. Because gadolinium enhancement (not edema) is the deciding factor in the
vitality assessment of the lunate, the imaging work-up of suspected osteonecrosis
should include intravenous administration of contrast agent to discern viable tissue
and so-called repair zones from entirely necrotic bone.
Keywords
lunate - osteonecrosis - Kienböck's disease - impaction syndrome - carpus
