Three-dimensional Intralunate Arteries Visualization with Red Lead (Pb₃O₄) Angiography

Area of Science:

• Vascular anatomy
• Radiology
• Orthopedic research

Background:

• Kienböck's disease etiology is debated, with vascular supply a potential factor.
• Intralunate arterial patterns using red lead (Pb3O4) angiography and micro-CT are infrequently reported.
• Understanding normal lunate vasculature is crucial for investigating pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a simplified, reliable technique for studying the intraosseous arterial pattern of normal lunates.
• To investigate the vascular anatomy of normal cadaveric lunates using Pb3O4 angiography and micro-CT.
• To establish a baseline for comparing pathological and normal lunate vasculature.

Main Methods:

• Six normal cadaveric lunates were analyzed.
• Intraosseous arteries were injected with Pb3O4 and visualized using micro-CT 3D reconstruction.
• Nutrient foramina and enhanced arteries were quantified and statistically analyzed.

Main Results:

• The mean number of total nutrient foramina was 2.00 (palmar) and 3.50 (dorsal).
• The mean number of enhanced arteries was 1.00 (palmar) and 3.50 (dorsal).
• No significant difference was found in the number of nutrient foramina or enhanced arteries between palmar and dorsal sides.

Conclusions:

• Pb3O4 angiography combined with micro-CT offers a simplified, rapid, and dependable method for studying intraosseous arteries.
• This technique provides clear visualization of the intraosseous arterial patterns in normal lunates.
• The findings contribute to a better understanding of lunate vascular supply, relevant to Kienböck's disease.