Three-dimensional Intralunate Arteries Visualization with Red Lead (Pb(3)O(4)) Angiography

BACKGROUND: The etiology of Kienböck's disease is controversial, and the blood supply is a possible pathogenic factor. The red lead (Pb(3)O(4)) angiography with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) of lunate to investigate intralunate arteries has rarely been reported. This study aimed to investigate a new, reasonable, and simplified technique to study the intraosseous arterial pattern of normal lunates. METHODS: This study investigated the intraosseous arterial pattern of six normal cadaveric lunates through Pb(3)O(4) injection and three-dimensional reconstruction with micro-CT. The intraosseous arteries of all specimens were clearly enhanced. The data of enhanced arteries and nutrient foramina were shown as median (Q(1), Q(3)) and analyzed with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: The mean number of total nutrient foramina was 2.00 (1.75, 2.00) on the palmar side and 3.50 (2.50, 4.25) on the dorsal side. The number with enhanced arteries on the palmar side was 1.00 (0.75, 2.00) and on the dorsal side was 3.50 (1.75, 4.00). There were no significant differences between the number of nutrient foramina on the palmar and dorsal sides of the lunates, no matter the total number or enhanced arteries. The intraosseous arterial pattern in normal lunates can be classified into three types: the dominate stems from the palmar side, from the dorsal side, and from both sides with anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: The Pb(3)O(4) angiography with micro-CT is a simplified, quicker, and reliable method to study intraosseous arteries.