The extraosseous and intraosseous blood supplies of the scaphoid were determined in eleven human specimens by gross dissection, examination under a dissecting microscope, clearing by the method of Spalteholz, and microangiography.

The extraosseous arteries of the scaphoid originated from the radial artery or from the radial artery and its superficial palmar branch. Three systems of vessels

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were observed: a laterovolar group that entered the scaphoid volar and lateral to the radial articular surface, a dorsal group that penetrated the narrow grooved dorsal surface of the scaphoid, and a distal group that supplied a circumscribed zone in the tuberosity. A fourth vessel, found in only one spcimen, approached the proximal surface of the scaphoid.

The laterovolar group appeared to be the most important contributor to the intraosseous blood supply. The terminal intraosseous vascular pattern consisted of vascular arcades which became smaller and smaller as the vessels spread out toward the periphery of the bone. The laterovolar and the dorsal systems shared in the supply of the proximal two thirds of the scaphoid, while the distal group remained very

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much circumscribed to the supply of the tuberosity. The proximal vessel seen in one specimen was of very small caliber and limited penetration.