Capitate Osteonecrosis: A Pediatric Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the capitate is relatively rare. Although there are many factors as etiology; however, there are idiopathic ones. Case Presentation: A 15-year-old female presented with wrist pain without the history of previous major trauma and no relief with conservative management; radiographic evaluation revealed capitates osteonecrosis with collapse and sclerosis. She underwent surgery (curettage of necrotic bone and iliac crest bone grafting). Two years fallow-up showed full recovery clinically and radiographically. Conclusions: Capitate AVN should be included in the differential diagnosis of wrist pain in pediatric patients. Despite the controversial multiple surgical options to treat capitate osteonecrosis, autogenous iliac crest bone grafting can have a good result, even in the pediatric patient.