Limited wrist arthrodesis versus radial osteotomy for advanced Kienböck's disease--for a fragmented lunate

Thirty-eight patients with advanced Kienböck's disease treated by limited wrist arthrodesis (LWA: n = 10) or radial osteotomy (RO: n = 28) for a fragmented lunate were retrospectively examined after an average of 47.9 and 68.1 months, respectively. Compared with pre-operative values, the active flexion-extension range of motion decreased by about 16.0 degrees in LWA and increased approximately 9.7 degrees in RO and the grip strength improved by approximately 7.5 kg in LWA and 8.0 kg in RO. In both groups, radiographs showed no significant progression of carpal collapse. Although LWA caused some decrease in wrist flexion-extension, both procedures are appropriate for surgical treatment of advanced Kienböck's disease. Most patients experienced a reduction in pain and were able to return to work.