Lunate dislocation

Lunate dislocation. This is a severe injury, usually resulting from high-energy trauma. The lunate (arrows) dislocates volarly (anteriorly). It can be difficult to identify on frontal radiographs, but is usually a straightforward diagnosis on a lateral view (assuming the interpreter is familiar with the injury). It is sometimes associated with fractures of other carpal bones, as in this case – the small bone fragment at the dorsal aspect of the wrist had avulsed from the triquetral. If not reduced immediately, the dislocated lunate can undergo avascular necrosis.