Closed radial wedge osteotomy for Preiser's disease: a report of four cases.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical outcome of closed radial wedge osteotomy (CRWO) for Preiser's disease. METHODS: CRWO was performed for four patients with Preiser's disease between 2000 and 2005. All patients were diagnosed by X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Separation gaps in the radioscaphoid joint were observed to evaluate the decompression in the area. Clinical evaluation was performed using Cooney's scoring system. RESULTS: Although wrist pain persisted in patients with radioscaphoid arthritis change, marked mitigation of wrist pain was confirmed in three patients. The average clinical score was 66, with good in one, fair in two, and poor in one. Restriction of wrist movement by CRWO caused lower clinical scores. No patients had wrist arthrodesis at the last follow-up evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term observation showed disappointing clinical results; however, for relief of wrist pain, this method is a potential surgical procedure for Preiser's disease under limited conditions.