[Surgical therapy of malacia of the semilunar bone with a modified Graner method]

All operations for lunatomalacia are linked to considerable alteration and functional loss of the afflicted wrist joint. The risk of secondary arthrosis due to incongruity is very high, and not only because of the complicated biomechanics of the carpal bones. The authors present their experiences and results with seventeen patients treated for Kienböck's disease, of whom fourteen have been reviewed, by a modification of the operation described by Orlando Graner. On the basis of this evaluation and comparison to the results described by other authors, the method of Graner seems to be definitely suitable, even for younger patients. The disadvantage of the relatively obvious restriction in mobility is offset by a nearly complete freedom from pain, full strength, and only minor secondary arthrosis, even with long postoperative periods.