About Kienbock’s Disease

Kienbock’s disease results in diminished blood supply and oxygen to the lunate bone within the wrist. It results in pain in the wrist without causative injury. The cause is poorly understood, but the progression of disease is understood and potential treatments are well-developed.

If the disease progresses, this may result in death or avascular necrosis of the lunate bone. The lunate bone will weaken secondary to lack of blood supply.  If the bone collapses, the wrist becomes further weakened and stiff and will progress to arthritis. This is usually a slowly-developing condition, progressing over many months.

All stages of Keinbock’s disease have appropriate treatment options. While observation or immobilization may be the only treatment recommended in early stages of Kienbock’s disease, surgery is ultimately considered in most cases. To relieve pain and restore function, surgery may restore blood supply to the bone by vascularized bone graft, attempt to reduce forces on the lunate bone, reconstruct the wrist without a lunate bone. Severe cases may require consideration for wrist replacement of fusion.

If you are concerned regarding this problem, we can perform a detailed examination, ultrasound, x-rays and other tests as needed and discuss the options with you to find the option that best suits your needs. Contact us today.