Vascularised bone graft for Kienböck disease: preliminary results

We treated eight patients with lunatomalacia by harvesting a pedicled, vascularised bone segment from the dorsal aspect of the distal radius and grafting it into the lunate. Its effect on carpal collapse and clinical outcome was assessed at a mean follow-up of 29 months (range 13-42). Postoperatively patients had considerably less pain (45% during activity and 74% at rest). Postoperative mean range of movement was 65% (range 43%-76%) (SD: 13) of the unaffected side. Three patients had an excellent result, three had good results, one had a fair result, and one patient was unsatisfied. The mean postoperative disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score was 29.8 (compared with 40.0 preoperatively).