Three-dimensional description of ligamentous attachments around the lunate.
OBJECTIVE
To detail the location and area of specific ligament attachments on the 3-dimensional (3-D) surface morphology of the individual carpal bones.


METHODS
We describe the attachment regions of both extrinsic and intrinsic intercarpal ligaments by using a combination of detailed dissection, computed tomography imaging, and a 3-D digitization technique and provide detailed information about ligament attachments around the lunate.


RESULTS
The length, width, and thickness of each ligament are described in millimeters and its area of attachment is given in square millimeters and as a percentage of the bone surface and/or total ligament attachment area. The attachment sites of the ligaments also are shown visually on 3-D images of the bones.


CONCLUSIONS
This study improves the knowledge and understanding of carpal ligament anatomy, which can result in better intraoperative assessment of ligament integrity/disruption and allow more accurate and anatomic repair, reattachment, and/or reconstruction of carpal ligaments for the treatment of carpal instability.
Nagao
Soya
S
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Patterson
Rita M
RM
Buford
William L
WL
Andersen
Clark R
CR
Shah
Munir A
MA
Viegas
Steven F
SF
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012667:Lunate Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed