Which carpal bone is the LAST to ossify, and its delayed or absent ossification is associated with Kienböck's disease?
- A Hamate
- B Pisiform ✓
- C Lunate
- D Trapezoid
Explanation
The pisiform is the last carpal bone to ossify, typically appearing between 8–10 years of age. The sequence of carpal bone ossification is approximately: capitate (first), hamate, triquetrum, lunate, scaphoid, trapezium, trapezoid, pisiform (last). Kienböck's disease is avascular necrosis of the lunate (not the pisiform), associated with its tenuous blood supply and negative ulnar variance. The pisiform association is purely about ossification timing.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
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