Radius Core Decompression for Kienböck Disease Stage IIIA: Outcomes at 13 Years Follow-Up

This study was designed to analyze the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of a series of patients with Kienböck disease stage IIIA treated with radius core decompression.

This retrospective study included 15 patients with Kienböck disease (Lichtman stage IIIA) who underwent distal radius metaphyseal core decompression between 1998 and 2005 and who were followed-up for at least 10 years. At the last follow-up, the patients were evaluated for wrist range of motion and grip strength. The overall results were evaluated by the modified Mayo wrist score and visual analog scale pain score. We also compared the radiological changes between the preoperative and the final follow-up in their Lichtman classification and the modified carpal height ratio.

The mean follow-up period was 13 years (range, 10-18 years). Based on the modified Mayo wrist score, clinical results were excellent in 6 patients, good in 8 patients, and poor in 1 patient who required a proximal row carpectomy as revision surgery. The mean preoperative pain according to the visual analog scale was 7 (range, 6-10) and was 1.2 (range, 0-6) at the final follow-up. Compared with the opposite side, the average flexion/extension arc was 77% and the grip strength was 80%. All patients, except 1, returned to their original employment. At the final follow-up, 3 patients had decreased modified carpal height ratio, 12 remained unchanged. Radiographic disease progression according to the Lichtman classification to stages IIIB to IV occurred in only 2 wrists. There were no complications related to the core decompression.

In this limited series, the radius core decompression demonstrated favorable long-term results and could be considered as a surgical alternative for stage IIIA of Kienböck disease.

Therapeutic IV.