Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the capitate is a very rare condition that manifests with a history of wrist pain resulting from an interruption of blood supply to the bone. This may be related to trauma or a variety of other conditions such as surgery, sickle cell anemia, steroids and alcohol consumption. The patient had an old x-ray 10 months ago which showed a fracture to the capitate bone, however, she did not seek medical attention for months.

The CT findings are suggestive of type III AVN of the capitate.