Scaphoid Arterial supply: A Review

Abstract

Scaphoid, the boat-shaped carpal bone, is largely covered by articular cartilage. It has a much
more complex arterial supply than previously reported, moreover, this arterial pattern has been
hypothesized to lead to avascular necrosis after fractures
Scaphoid blood supply has long been documented as scarce; it arises from the radial artery giving
palmar and dorsal branches. There is high-grade evidence reporting two main arteries entering
from the distal half of the scaphoid and middle to lower-grade evidence reporting several arteries
scattered over the entire scaphoid and anastomosis of the radial artery with intercarpal arteries.
Dorsal arteries are slightly larger in diameter and many more than volar ones. The scaphoid shape
is associated with variations in arterial supply patterns. Scaphoid surgery preserving vascular
supply is the gold standard. Scaphoid blood supply is not as poor as previously documented,
as current evidence supports even proximal pole vascularization. We recommend surgery to
preserve the blood supply and foster research in this area.