Kienböck Disease: Clinical Presentation, Epidemiology, and Historical Perspective

In the now 110 years that have passed since Kienböck first published his seminal description of lunate osteonecrosis, improvements in imaging technology and surgical technique have provided a better understanding of Kienböck disease pathogenesis and treatment. However, the precise etiology, natural history, and optimal treatment remain controversial. Future studies examining the genetics behind the disease and large-scale prospective studies comparing treatment options represent the next step in improving our understanding of this rare and complex phenomenon.