Radiographic analysis of anatomical risk factors for Kienböck's disease

The aim of this study was to identify possible anatomical risk factors for Kienbock's disease. We measured on a posteroanterior radiograph of the wrist, in zero-position, the Lunate Diameter and Height, Lunate Tilting Angle, Lunate Uncovering Index, Lunate Fossa Inclination, Radial Inclination and Ulnar Variance. We measured these seven parameters on the unaffected hand in the Kienböck group (N = 54) to avoid the influence of arthritic changes and on the dominant hand in a control group (N = 126). Statistical significant differences were found for a smaller Lunate Diameter and Height, a more radially inclined Lunate Tilting Angle and a flatter Radial Inclination (Student's t-test). This may result in more load transmission onto the lunate, which may lead to avascular necrosis.