Proximal row carpectomy in advanced Kienbock's disease

This retrospective study assessed the outcomes of 21 patients (16 male and 5 female, mean age 39 years) with advanced Kienbock's disease treated by resection of the proximal carpal row. They were clinically reviewed. The mean follow-up was 67 months, with all but two patients having had a follow-up of 2 years. No or mild pain was being experienced by 13 patients, moderate pain by 3 and severe pain by 5. Grip strength increased from 19 kg pre-operatively to 26 kg postoperatively (or 65% of the normal contralateral side). There was a slight increase of mobility. The DASH score was 22 points (range 0-78) and the Patient Rated Wrist Score (PRWS) was 30 points (range 0-84). Two patients developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome which was ongoing at the time of review and one developed a superficial wound infection. Proximal carpal row resection arthroplasty gave satisfactory results in patients with advanced Kienbock's disease.