Kienböck's disease

The pathophysiology of Kienböck's disease is not well understood: factors that were previously considered as potentially being responsible for the disease are now only seen as predisposing factors that contribute to discovering pre-existing disease. The natural history of the disease is also not well known. The arthroscopic classification proposed by Bain and Begg is now an essential supplement to the well-known Lichtman radiographic classification system. Various treatment options exist and some are better suited to each stage of the disease. This review will explore the advantages and disadvantages of these treatment options and match them with the best indications.