[Transfer of pedicled pisiform bone for replacement of the lunate]

Since 1986, 7 necrosed lunate bones (Kienbock disease) in 7 patients were replaced by the nearby pisiform bone with a pedicle of its own nutrient vessels and tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris. Anatomically, the situation of the pisiform, after being released, is fit for proximal and radioward transfer; the size of the pisiform together with soft tissue surrounding it is, after being rotated 90 degrees, just apt to fill the dimensional space left by the lunate excised. Follow-up for 4 to 18 months manifested satisfactory results. The operative technic is described in detail.