Distal radius osteotomy with intramedullary fixation for the treatment of Kienbock disease

Symptomatic Kienbock disease with ulnar-negative variance is commonly treated with a distal radius shortening osteotomy. Traditionally, the osteotomy is stabilized using dorsal or volar plating. Use of an intramedullary implant to stabilize the osteotomy in the treatment of this condition is demonstrated in this article. In addition to changing the mechanical loading through the lunate, the technique also allows for core decompression the distal radial metaphyseal bone that may further help in restoring the vascularity to the lunate. The authors believe that this technique is a valuable method that demonstrates both clinical and technical improvements in the treatment of Kienbock disease.