Medial Femoral Trochlea Osteochondral Flap Reconstruction of the Previously Unsalvageable Kienbock-Associated Lunate With a Coronal Split.

PURPOSE: Patients with Kienbock disease can present with coronal fracture and collapse of the proximal lunate (Unified B2/Bain grade 1, 2B). Traditionally, this was considered unsalvageable. However, medial femoral trochlea (MFT) osteochondral reconstruction, used to recreate the proximal lunate surface, can be paired with reduction and repair of the coronal plane fracture, thus restoring midcarpal congruity. The purpose of this study was to report radiographic and clinical outcomes following lunate coronal fracture fixation at the time of MFT osteochondral reconstruction. METHODS: This was a retrospective study performed at a single institution. We identified patients with Kienbock disease who underwent MFT osteochondral reconstruction from 2014 to 2023. Patients were included if they had a coronal fracture of the lunate distal articular surface fixed at the time of surgery. Radiographic and clinical parameters were evaluated, including carpal height ratio, union rate, presence of heterotopic ossification, need for revision surgery, and patient-reported outcome measures. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included, with a mean age of 27.5 years (range: 15-41); 19 (58%) were women. Mean radiographic follow-up time was 5.8 months, and mean clinical follow-up time was 22.6 months. Union was achieved in 30/33 patients (91%). Carpal height ratio improved from 1.32 to 1.4. Two patients (6%) required reoperation, one for removal of heterotopic ossification and another for conversion to proximal row carpectomy. Patients demonstrated meaningful improvement in brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Upper Extremity scores. Range of motion before and after surgery was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Lunate coronal fracture fixation with MFT osteochondral reconstruction represents an additional management option in select patients with Kienbock disease. This technique restores the midcarpal joint during lunate reconstruction and may allow patients to avoid salvage procedures. Early radiographic and clinical outcomes are promising. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Scaphocapitate arthrodesis with lunate preservation for Kienböck's disease: prospective outcomes study.

PURPOSE: The study evaluated the efficacy of SC arthrodesis with lunate preservation for treating patients diagnosed with stage IIIB or IIIC Kienböck's disease, who also exhibit neutral ulnar variance. The study further aimed to explore potential variations in outcomes between patients diagnosed with stage IIIB and IIIC Kienböck's disease. METHODS: Thirty-two patients diagnosed with stage IIIB (n = 19) and stage IIIC (n = 13) Kienböck's disease underwent SC arthrodesis with distal radius bone grafting stabilised by Herbert compression screws. All participants underwent pre- and post-operative assessments including VAS score for pain, ROM, grip strength, MMWS, and the Quick DASH score. Additionally, RS angle, LHI ratio, and CHI ratio were assessed. RESULTS: For all patients, the mean operative time was 73 min, follow-up was 45.6 months, time to union was 14 weeks, and time to full return to work was 24 weeks. The rate of union at the arthrodesis site was 91% (29 out of 32 patients) whilst the incidence of postoperative degenerative arthritis was 36% (8 out of 32 patients). Regarding changes in the means of outcomes from pre- to post-operatively, the VAS score decreased from 8.2 to 1.3 and grip strength improved from 36 to 79%. The RS angle was corrected from 59° to 50°. Significant improvements were noted in the mean MMWS from 45 to 75 and QuickDASH score from 78 to 21. However, no significant changes were observed in ROM, LHI, and CHI. There were no significant differences between patients with stage IIIB and stage IIIC in terms of these parameters, except for differences observed in the RS angle, LHI, and CHI preoperatively and in LHI and CHI postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Evidence level: II. Our research demonstrates that SC arthrodesis is a valuable approach for reducing pain, improving grip strength, and enhancing overall function in individuals with advanced Kienböck's disease. Importantly, our results indicate no notable differences in outcomes between patients diagnosed with stage IIIB or IIIC Kienböck's disease.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes in Open and Arthroscopically-Assisted Mini Open Proximal Row Carpectomy for Lichtman Stage IIIB and IIIC Kienböck Disease.

PURPOSE: Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) can be performed in the late stages of Kienböck disease using the traditional open technique or arthroscopically. In this study, we describe the arthroscopically-assisted mini-open PRC technique. The aim of the study was to compare the functional results with the open PRC technique in advanced-stage Kienböck disease. METHODS: The medical records of patients with Kienböck disease who underwent open PRC between 2006-2010 (Cohort A) and arthroscopically-assisted PRC (AAPRC) between 2010-2018 (Cohort B) were analyzed. The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, visual analog scale, and Modified Mayo Wrist Scores were compared, which were obtained at the early postoperative (third month) and final follow-up. RESULTS: Cohort A had 14 and Cohort B 21 patients. The preoperative, early, and final mean visual analog scale scores were 7, 3, and 0.3, respectively, for Cohort A, and 7, 0.3, and 0.1, respectively, for Cohort B. The preoperative mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores decreased from 69 to 34 at the third-month and 6.1 on the final follow-up visit for Cohort A and from 77 to 18, and 5 for Cohort B. The final Mayo wrist scores were excellent in 4, good in 4, and moderate in 6 of the Cohort A patients, and excellent in 11, good in 8, and moderate in 2 of the Cohort B patients. Mean flexion increased to 52° from 43° for Cohort A and to 62° from 41° for Cohort B. CONCLUSIONS: AAPRC, compared to the open PRC, resulted in increased wrist motion and increased Mayo wrist scores in the long-term. Also, the third-month patient-related outcomes revealed favorable results in the AAPRC group. We attribute these findings to the earlier initiation of postoperative wrist motion and the less invasive character of the AAPRC procedure. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Kienböck Disease: Mid-Term Outcome of Arthroscopic Lunate Core Decompression.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the mid-term functional and radiological results of arthroscopic lunate core decompression for treating Kienböck disease. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, 40 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Kienböck disease (Lichtman stages II to IIIb) underwent arthroscopic core decompression of the lunate bone. A cutting bur was used through the trans-4 portal with visualization from the 3-4 portal after synovectomy and debridement of radiocarpal joint using a shaver from the 6R portal. Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and visual analog scale scores, wrist range of motion, grip strength, radiological changes of Lichtman classification, carpal height ratio, and scapholunate angle were evaluated before and two years after the surgery. RESULTS: The mean of Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score improved from 52.5 ± 13 to 29.2 ± 16.3. The visual analog scale score also improved from 7.6 ± 1.8 to 2.7 ± 1.9. There was also an improvement in hand grip strength from 6.6 ± 2.7 kg to 12.3 ± 3.1 kg. Wrist range of motion in flexion, extension, ulnar deviation, and radial deviation improved significantly. Lichtman classification remained the same in 36 (90%) patients. Carpal height did not change. Intergroup evaluation showed no functional difference in response to surgery for different radiological Lichtman stages. More improvement was observed in patients with Lichtman stage II, but was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic lunate core decompression appears to be an effective and safe surgery for treating Kienböck disease on the basis of mid-term follow-up. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Scapho-luno-capitate fusion with proximal lunate articular surface preservation for management of grade IIIA Kienböck's disease: a prospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Kienböck's disease is idiopathic lunate avascular necrosis, which may lead to lunate collapse, abnormal carpal motion and wrist arthritis. The current study aimed to assess the outcomes of treating stage IIIA Kienböck's disease by a novel technique of limited carpal fusion via partial lunate excision with preservation of the proximal lunate surface and scapho-luno-capitate (SLC) fusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of patients with grade IIIA Kienböck's disease managed with a novel technique of limited carpal fusion comprising SLC fusion with preservation of the proximal lunate articular cartilage. Autologous iliac crest bone grafting and K-wires fixation were used to enhance the osteosynthesis of the SLC fusion. The minimum follow-up period was 1 year. A visual analog scale (VAS) and the Mayo Wrist Score were utilized for the evaluation of patient residual pain and functional assessment, respectively. A digital Smedley dynamometer was used to measure the grip strength. The modified carpal height ratio (MCHR) was used for monitoring carpal collapse. The radioscaphoid angle, scapholunate angle, and the modified carpal-ulnar distance ratio were used for the assessment of carpal bones alignment and ulnar translocation of carpal bones. RESULTS: This study included 20 patients with a mean age of 27.9 ± 5.5 years. At the last follow-up, the mean range of flexion/extension range of motion (% of normal side) improved from 52.8 ± 5.4% to 65.7 ± 11.1%, P = 0.002, the mean grip strength (% of normal side) improved from 54.6 ± 11.8% to 88.3 ± 12.4%, P = 0.001, the mean Mayo Wrist Score improved from 41.5 ± 8.2 to 81 ± 9.2, P = 0.002, and the mean VAS score reduced from 6.1 ± 1.6 to 0.6 ± 0.4, P = 0.004. The mean follow-up MCHR improved from 1.46 ± 0.11 to 1.59 ± 0.34, P = 0.112. The mean radioscaphoid angle improved from 63 ± 10º to 49 ± 6º, P = 0.011. The mean scapholunate angle increased from 32 ± 6º to 47 ± 8º, P = 0.004. The mean modified carpal-ulnar distance ratio was preserved and none of the patients developed ulnar translocation of the carpal bones. Radiological union was achieved in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Scapho-luno-capitate fusion with partial lunate excision and preservation of the proximal lunate surface is a valuable option for treating stage IIIA Kienböck's disease, with satisfactory outcomes. Level of evidence Level IV. Trial registration Not applicable.

Outcomes of Arthroscopic Lunate Core Decompression Versus Radial Osteotomy in Treatment of Kienböck Disease.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the functional and radiographic outcomes of arthroscopic lunate decompression versus radial osteotomy in the treatment of Kienböck disease (KD). METHODS: In a prospective cohort design, we enrolled 82 patients with KD with Lichtman stages I to IIIb. Participants assigned themselves to groups by choosing either arthroscopic lunate core decompression and synovectomy (group A; n = 54) or radial osteotomy (group B; n = 28). For radial osteotomy, a distal radius volar approach was used and a shortening osteotomy (in negative and neutral ulnar variance) or lateral closing wedge osteotomy (in positive ulnar variance) was performed. Arthroscopic lunate core decompression was performed under direct visualization from the 3-4 portal using a shaver (through the 6R portal) and a cutting burr (through the trans-4 portal). The shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, wrist passive flexion/extension, grip strength, and radiographic assessments (Lichtman classification, radioscaphoid angle, carpal height ratio) were recorded before surgery and at the final follow-up. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients were included in the final analysis (44 in group A and 20 in group B). The mean ages of participants were 33 ± 11 years in group A and 31 ± 8 years in group B. The mean follow-up periods were 44 ± 20 months in group A and 37 ± 23 months in group B. The QuickDASH score, VAS score, and passive wrist movements significantly improved in both groups. Grip strength showed a significant increase in group A only. The postoperative functional analysis between the 2 groups showed no significant difference, except for the wrist passive extension, which was higher in group A. Lichtman staging remained the same in 79.5% and 73.6% of patients in groups A and B, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: An arthroscopic lunate core decompression and wrist synovectomy has comparable midterm results to radial shortening osteotomy in the treatment of KD. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

Association of the Interfacet Angle and the Lunate Facet Inclination Angle With Kienböck Disease.

PURPOSE: The etiology of Kienböck disease remains unclear, although mechanical, vascular, and metabolic risk factors have been suggested. We aimed to investigate the association of the angle between the curvatures of the distal radius and the development of Kienböck disease. METHODS: The lunate facet inclination (LFI), scaphoid facet inclination, and interfacet angle (IFA) values were measured using posteroanterior plain radiographs of 82 patients diagnosed with Kienböck disease. The results were compared with normative angular reference values published based on an analysis of 400 wrists of Caucasian patients aged between 20 and 45 years. The posteroanterior radiographs were divided into 3 categories: negative, neutral, and positive based on ulnar variance, and the relationship between ulnar variance and facet angles was evaluated. RESULTS: The IFA value was significantly higher than the normative angular reference value in the patients with Kienböck disease. Conversely, the LFI values were significantly lower in the Kienböck patient group. There were no statistically significant differences in the IFA and LFI values among the ulnar variance groups. CONCLUSIONS: Measuring IFA and LFI allows the evaluation of the bifacet curvature of the distal radius articular surface in the coronal plane. Steep IFA and shallow LFI are associated with Kienböck disease. Increased IFA may lead to abnormal load transmission to the intermediate column, which might eventually lead to increased stress on the lunate. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

Long-Term Outcome of Surgical Treatment for Kienböck Disease Using an Articular-Based Classification.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of surgery using the Bain and Begg articular-based classification for the treatment of Kienböck disease. METHODS: We identified and followed patients who had surgery for Kienböck disease between 1995 and 2014. Assessment included functional scoring using a modification of the Gartland and Werley score, pain levels, and grip strength. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were operated on for Kienböck disease between 1995 and 2014. Twenty-seven patients were assessed (12 men and 15 women). Mean age at the index procedure was 45.1 years (range, 20-82 years). Median follow-up after the index procedure was 10 years (range, 2-18 years). On the Bain and Begg classification, 5 patients had grade 0, 4 had grade 1, 5 had grade 2a, 10 had grade 2b, 1 had grade 3, and 1 had grade 4. The median pain visual analog scale improved from a preoperative score of 5 (interquartile range [IQR], 5-6) to a postoperative score of 2 (IQR, 0-3). The median functional scores from the modified Gartland and Werley score improved from 67 (IQR, 57.0-78.5) to 97 (IQR, 90.0-97.0). Eighteen out of 20 working patients returned to the same level of work. There was a significant improvement in power grip and tip pinch following surgery. One patient required a secondary salvage procedure. No patient required a full wrist fusion or arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that the Bain and Begg arthroscopic classification and an articular-based approach to Kienböck disease provide a high probability of good long-term relief of pain and a minimal chance of requiring a salvage procedure. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Capitate shortening osteotomy with or without vascularized bone grafting for the treatment of early stages of Kienböck's disease.

PURPOSE: The study evaluates the procedures of capitate shortening osteotomy with or without vascularized bone grafting (VBG) for the treatment of stage II or IIIA Kienböck's disease with neutral ulnar variance. METHOD: Forty-five patients with stage II (n = 21) and IIIA (n = 24) Kienböck's disease were included in the study. Patients were classified into two groups; isolated capitate shortening (ICS) group included 21 patients (stage II [n = 10] and stage IIIA [n = 11]) treated by capitate shortening without VBG of the lunate. Combined capitate shortening (CCS) group includes 24 patients (stage II [n = 11] and stage IIIA [n = 13]) who treated by capitate shortening combined with VBG of the lunate from the dorsal distal radius based on the fourth + fifth extensor compartment artery. All patients were evaluated pre- and post-operative for pain as measured by visual analogue scale score (VAS), range of motion (ROM), grip strength, modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS), lunate height index (LHI) ratio, and carpal height index (CHI) ratio. RESULTS: The mean operative time for CCS procedure was 85 min (76 to 120) and for ICS was 58 min (47 to 65). The mean follow-up period for all patients was 33 months (29 to 47). Patients with stage IIIA Kienböck's disease treated by CCS procedure had better post-operative VAS, ROM, grip strength, MMWS, LHI, and CHI ratio than patients treated by ICS procedure. ICS procedure reported 28% failure rate versus 8% for CCS. No differences were found between CCS and ICS procedures in patients with stage II Kienböck's disease in the term of clinical, radiographic outcomes, or failure rate. CONCLUSION: Using CCS procedure for the treatment of stage IIIA Kienböck's disease (lunate height collapse) with neutral ulnar variance can restore height and dimensions of the collapsed lunate and subsequently improve the final outcomes with lower failure rate. However, in patients with stage II Kienböck's disease (maintained lunate height), no advantages were noticed for CCS over ICS procedure. Lunate height index might be considered a prognostic factor for the treatment outcomes of Kienböck's disease.

Vascularized Capitate Transposition for the Treatment of Stage IIIB Kienböck Disease.

PURPOSE: The treatment of Kienböck disease (KD) continues to be controversial. In this study, we report the long-term follow-up outcomes of patients who were diagnosed with stage IIIB KD treated with vascularized capitate transposition. METHODS: A total of 16 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline clinical information was extracted from medical records, and wrist function was clinically evaluated, including x-ray images. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, wrist pain was severe in 0 patients, moderate in 2 patients, mild in 5 patients, and absent in 9 patients. The mean postoperative active flexion and extension of the affected wrist was significantly improved after surgery compared with before surgery. The postoperative and preoperative mean grip strength was 35 kg and 27 kg, respectively. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was significantly improved after surgery compared with before surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Vascularized capitate transposition for the treatment of Lichtman stage IIIB KD is feasible and associated with improvements in wrist function and pain. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Preliminary Clinical, Radiographic, and Patient-Reported Outcomes of the Medial Femoral Trochlea Osteochondral Free Flap for Lunate Reconstruction in Advanced Kienböck Disease.

PURPOSE: We aimed to describe the radiographic, functional, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of medial femoral trochlea osteochondral free flap reconstruction of the proximal lunate in stage IIIA and IIIB Kienböck disease. METHODS: Eighteen adult patients underwent medial femoral trochlea reconstruction of the proximal lunate for advanced Kienböck disease by a single surgeon. Eight of these patients returned for clinical examination, radiographs, and completion of PRO questionnaires. An additional 4 patients completed PRO questionnaires remotely. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 28.4 years. The mean radiographic and physical examination follow-up was 1.4 and 2.2 years, respectively. The mean PRO follow-up was 2.1 years. Radiographic measurements (carpal height ratio, radioscaphoid angle) demonstrated that carpal collapse was halted, and carpal alignment was maintained, after surgery. Wrist flexion (38.3°) and extension (37.3°) were unchanged by this operation, and postoperative pinch and grip strength were 90% and 68% of the uninjured side, respectively. The mean postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 10.8, and the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score was 18.1. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score subscales, International Knee Documentation Committee, and Kujala lower extremity PRO scores ranged from 83.1 to 96.8. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health, Physical Function, Pain Intensity, Pain Interference, and Pain Behavior scores reflected good postoperative patient health and function and low pain levels. CONCLUSIONS: Following medial femoral trochlea reconstruction of the proximal lunate for advanced Kienböck disease, we observed a cessation of radiocarpal collapse. After surgery, patients demonstrated acceptable levels of function, pain, and wrist range of motion. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic V.

Relationship of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 4G/5G Gene Polymorphism and Nontraumatic Lunatum Avascular Necrosis.

PURPOSE: Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is a critical enzyme that regulates coagulation and fibrinolytic systems. The aim of this study was to determine the role of PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism in nontraumatic avascular necrosis of the lunate. METHODS: The study included 45 patients with Kienböck disease and 45 healthy individuals as a control group. In both groups, genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples to determine the distributions of PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was determined in the distribution of the gene polymorphism between the patient and control groups. We found the 5G/5G genotype to be 1.7 times higher in the control group compared with the patient group. A 1.6-fold increase in the 4G homozygote genotype was identified in the patient group. The patient and control groups were also evaluated for 4G/4G plus 4G/5G and 5G/5G in terms of genotype distribution. No statistically significant difference was found. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the PAI-1 4G/4G polymorphism is not a genetic risk for Kienböck disease. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study aimed to reveal the genetic etiology of Kienböck disease.

Evaluation for Kienböck Disease Familial Clustering: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Kienböck disease (KD) is rare and its etiology remains unknown. As a result, the ideal treatment is also in question. Our primary purpose was to test the hypothesis that KD would demonstrate familial clustering in a large statewide population with comprehensive genealogical records, possibly suggesting a genetic etiologic contribution. Our secondary purpose was to evaluate for associations between KD and known risk factors for avascular necrosis. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with KD were identified by searching medical records from a comprehensive statewide database, the Utah Population Database. This database contains pedigrees dating back to the early 1800s, which are linked to 31 million medical records for 11 million patients from 1996 to the present. Affected individuals were then mapped to pedigrees to identify high-risk families with an increased incidence of KD relative to control pedigrees. The magnitude of familial risk of KD in related individuals was calculated using Cox regression models. Association of risk factors related to KD was analyzed using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: We identified 394 affected individuals linked to 194 unrelated high-risk pedigrees with increased incidence of KD. The relative risk of developing KD was significantly elevated in first-degree relatives. There was a significant correlation between alcohol, glucocorticoid, and tobacco use and a history of diabetes, and the diagnosis of KD. CONCLUSIONS: Familial clustering of KD observed in the Utah Population Database cohort indicates a potential genetic contribution to the etiology of the disease. Identification of causal gene variants in these high-risk families may provide insight into the genes and pathways that contribute to the onset and progression of KD. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study suggests that there is a potential genetic contribution to the etiology of KD and that the disease has a significant association with several risk factors.

Increased perfusion in dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MRI correlates with areas of bone repair and of bone necrosis in patients with Kienböck's disease.

BACKGROUND: Osteonecrosis of the lunate, Kienböck's disease, can lead to fragmentation of the lunate, carpal collapse, and severe osteoarthritis. Since the etiology of Kienböck's disease is impaired circulation, a diagnostic method capable of assessing perfusion would be valuable. Recent studies have suggested that dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MR examinations at 3 T can assess perfusion in healthy carpal bones. PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of DCE-MR for assessing perfusion in the lunate bone in patients with Kienböck's disease. Furthermore, to compare perfusion with histopathology with a focus on bone viability. STUDY TYPE: Prospective case-control study. POPULATION: Fourteen patients with Kienböck's disease and a control group of 19 healthy subjects. Field Strength: 3 T with T1 -weighted fat-saturated contrast-enhanced gradient echo series. ASSESSMENT: Features of the enhancement curves from the DCE-MR examinations, time to peak (TTP), maximum slope (MS), and maximum enhancement (ME) assessed by a radiologist. Six of 14 patients were surgerized with lunate excision, allowing comparison between features of the enhancement curves and histopathology. STATISTICAL TESTS: Mann-Whitney U-test. P < 0.05 was considered a statistically significant difference. RESULTS: Patients with Kienböck's disease showed significantly higher and faster perfusion parameters compared with the control group, the mean value of the TTP in patients was 126.73 sec, in controls 189.79 sec (P = 0.024), ME in patients 173.55 AU, in controls 28.46 AU (P < 0.001), and MS in patients 5.04 AU, in controls 1.06 AU (P < 0.001). When compared with histopathology, increased perfusion was seen in areas of bone formation but also in necrosis. Areas of normal bone showed low perfusion. DATA CONCLUSION: DCE-MRI at 3 T can diagnose altered perfusion in patients with Kienböck's disease. Increased perfusion cannot definitely be used as a marker of bone viability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:481-489.

Superselective angiography of the wrist in patients with Kienböck's disease.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular problems like increased intraosseous pressure or venous congestion may influence the development of Kienböck's disease. We examined if wrist position modifies the blood flow in the nutrient vessels. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 17 patients with Kienböck's disease who had a superselective microangiography of the radial, ulnar and interosseous artery in different wrist positions under general anaesthesia. We analysed the data with Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon-test. RESULTS: We found vessels that entered the bone, that ended at the bone edge, and that supplied a vascular plexus. The origins were the anterior interosseous artery in 10 of 17 cases, the radial artery in seven cases, and the ulnar artery in five cases. Movement of the wrist could reduce or stop the blood flow. Type of lunate configuration showed no significant influence on the blood supply in neutral position. CONCLUSION: The radial, ulnar, and anterior interosseous artery contribute to the vascular supply of the lunate bone in different combinations. Wrist movement can reduce blood flow to the lunate bone.

Treatment of Kienböck's Disease With Neutral Ulnar Variance by Distal Capitate Shortening and Arthrodesis to the Base of the Third Metacarpal Bone.

PURPOSE: We evaluated whether a surgical technique combining distal capitate shortening and arthrodesis to the base of the third metacarpal bone for the treatment of the early stages (stages II and IIIA) of Kienböck's disease with neutral ulnar variance resulted in pain relief, improvement in wrist motion, or changes in the radiographic evaluation. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed 22 patients with early stages of Kienböck's disease with neutral ulnar variance, treated by distal capitate shortening and arthrodesis to the base of the third metacarpal bone. Patients were divided into 2 groups by disease stage: stage II (n = 12) and stage IIIA (n = 10). There were 8 women and 14 men, with an average age of 35.7 years. The following parameters were measured before and after surgery: visual analog scale (VAS) for pain evaluation, grip strength, range of motion (ROM), ulnar variance, carpal height index, lunate height index, and the scapholunate and scaphocapitate angles. The patients were evaluated in accordance with Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS). RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 30.5 months (range, 26-36 months). The stage II group showed significant improvements in the mean VAS (58-5), ROM (57% to 73%), grip strength (54% to 75%), and MMWS (51-78). Patients in the stage IIIA group showed nonsignificant changes in mean VAS score (64-42.5), ROM (52.5% to 55.5%), grip strength (46.5% to 57.5%), and MMWS (36-50.5). Significant decreases in the carpal height index and scaphocapitate angle, and an increase in scapholunate angle in all stage IIIA patients were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Distal capitate shortening with capitometacarpal arthrodesis can alleviate pain and improve ROM and grip strength in patients with stage II Kienböck's disease, but not in those with stage IIIA. Moreover, it cannot prevent carpal collapse, especially in stage IIIA of the disease. We do not recommend this technique for treating stage IIIA patients. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Fixation of the Fractured Lunate in Kienböck Disease.

PURPOSE: To describe an uncommon subset of fractured lunates in Kienböck disease that is salvageable by internal fixation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review for patients with Kienböck disease treated by internal fixation. Demographic data, objective and radiographic measurements, patient-reported outcome measures (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation) and pain (visual analog scale) scores were collected. RESULTS: Of the 7 patients treated, 5 were available for review. At an average follow-up of 7.1 years (range, 1.5-15 years), all patients had activity-related wrist pain but were pain-free at rest. Radiographic assessment showed union in all lunates and a normal radioscaphoid angle and Stahl index. The modified carpal height ratio was reduced in 4 patients and normal in one. There was no observed narrowing or irregularity of the radiocarpal or midcarpal joints. Patient-reported outcome measures in 2 patients were unsatisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography of the lunate in Kienböck disease is an important investigative tool. A coronal split fracture of these lunates can be salvageable by internal fixation. Revascularization of the lunate can be performed when the fragment is of sufficient size. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic V.

Hand-arm vibration syndrome.

Use of vibrating tools often leads to development of hand-arm vibration syndrome. It manifests with vascular symptoms, neurologic (carpal tunnel syndrome) and musculoskeletal symptoms (impaired grip strength, osteoarthritis, bone necrosis). Kienböck's disease is osteonecrosis of the lunate. A 61-year-old construction worker was referred to a rheumatologist because of suspected arthritis. On examination tenderness and swelling of the dorsal aspect of the right wrist were recorded without features of inflammation. The patient reported paresthesia in the right hand when working with a pneumatic drill. He reported no morning stiffness or Raynaud's phenomenon. He had undergone surgery because of right carpal tunnel syndrome two years earlier. Rheumatoid factor was negative, CRP 0.2 mg/l, uric acid 4.7 mg/dl. In magnetic resonance avascular necrosis of the lunate was diagnosed and scaphoid fracture. Kienböck's disease was diagnosed. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were used. The patient did not give consent for surgery.

Kienböck Disease in the Skeletally Immature Patient.

Kienböck disease is uncommon in skeletally immature patients. Although there is no gold standard treatment for Kienböck disease in the skeletally immature patient, surgical and nonsurgical treatment options have been shown to be effective. Initial immobilization with a cast, protection with an orthosis, and avoidance of repetitive forceful activities have been shown to be effective in some cases. Surgery may be offered to the skeletally immature patient when nonsurgical treatment is ineffective. Among several surgical techniques used for treatment in the skeletally immature patient with Kienböck disease, distal radial osteotomies have been the most frequently performed surgery; however, radial overgrowth is a concern. There is a great potential for revascularization and remodeling of the lunate in the skeletally immature patients with Kienböck disease. Good and excellent clinical and radiological outcomes can be achieved with both nonsurgical and surgical treatments.

Long-Term Clinical Outcome After Titanium Lunate Arthroplasty for Kienböck Disease.

PURPOSE: Titanium lunate arthroplasty (TLA) for Kienböck disease was introduced in 1984 to address the silicone-wear particle problem common to silicone lunate implants. We sought to study the outcome of TLA. METHODS: We identified 11 patients from our hospital database who had undergone TLA between 2001 and 2010. We evaluated pain, range of motion (ROM), function, and radiological outcome at a mean 11 years after surgery. We compared preoperative ROM and radiological findings with final follow-up in the ipsilateral wrist and also made comparisons with the contralateral wrists. RESULTS: No implants were removed, and no wrist joints were fused. Pain on the visual analog scale averaged 0.5 at rest, 0.3 at night, and 2.7 during heavy exertion. Seven patients had no pain at rest and 9 had no pain at night. Range of motion reached 70% of that of the contralateral wrist, and strength reached 81%. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score averaged 9.6, optional DASH 9.7, and Mayo wrist score 67.7. Radiologically, only Ståhl and arthrosis indexes differed significantly between affected and unaffected wrists. Two patients had a dorsally dislocated implant, meaning that around 20% of our cases probably meet the criteria for failure. CONCLUSIONS: The longer-term results of TLA for stage III Kienböck disease are promising. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.