Idiopathic avascular necrosis of the scaphoid and lunate

Abstract Idiopathic avascular necrosis (AVN) of the carpal bones of the wrist is rare. The lunate and the scaphoid are the two most commonly affected, the lunate being the more common of the two. AVN of a fractured proximal pole of the scaphoid is a well-known problem following trauma; however idiopathic AVN of the scaphoid not related to acute trauma is a rare event with few cases described in literature. There is no consensus on the optimal surgical management of these conditions, although treatment is largely based on the stage at presentation and the expertise and repertoire of the surgeon. In this paper, we present a review of the symptoms, classifications, risk factors and management of these rare conditions.