[Kienböck's disease. Diagnosis and therapy]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Hand Surgery
• Bone Diseases

Background:

• Kienböck's disease is the most frequent aseptic osteonecrosis affecting the upper extremity, specifically the lunate bone.
• It is characterized by unclear etiology and eventual lunate bone necrosis.
• This condition predominantly affects the dominant hands of males aged 20-40.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of Kienböck's disease.
• To discuss the current treatment modalities available for lunate necrosis.
• To highlight the ongoing challenge in establishing a gold standard treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of aseptic osteonecrosis and Kienböck's disease.
• Analysis of epidemiological data regarding affected demographics.
• Summary of existing treatment strategies, including conservative and surgical options.

Main Results:

• Kienböck's disease is a prevalent condition in the hand, distinct from other less common bone necroses.
• The disease primarily affects young and middle-aged males, typically involving their dominant hand.
• Treatment approaches vary widely, indicating a lack of a universally accepted standard of care.

Conclusions:

• Kienböck's disease remains a significant clinical challenge due to its unclear origins and varied presentation.
• Current treatment options offer a spectrum of interventions but do not provide a definitive solution.
• Further research is needed to establish a gold standard for managing lunate necrosis.