Lunotriquetral Coalition: An Unusual Cause of Wrist Pain

Abstract

Carpal coalition is the fusion of two or more carpal bones in the wrist. This has a prevalence of 0.1% in Caucasian populations, with lunotriquetral coalition being the most common type. The incidence in Asian populations, including Pakistan, is not known. Usually, these fused carpal bones are asymptomatic. However, they can be the cause of undiagnosed wrist pain. We present the case of a 26-year-old female who presented with right-sided wrist pain. On X-ray, she was diagnosed to have a lunotriquetral coalition. We emphasize the role of radiographic imaging in cases of carpal coalition. Most patients are treated conservatively. However, in severe cases, surgical treatments may be considered.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist and hand

“…Within the bones there are variant morphologies of some of the carpal bones, including developmental coalitions and numerous reported developmental ossicles. For instance, a lunotriquetral coalition is the most common carpal coalition, with a prevalence of 0.1%, and it represents a congenital fusion of the lunate and triquetral bones [ 41 ]. Osseous coalitions of the lunate and triquetrum are typically asymptomatic.…”