Potential Correlation between Kienböck's Disease and Hereditary Hemochromatosis: A Case Report

Avascular necrosis of the lunate bone has been extensively researched, although the etiology of the condition remains controversial. Even though many treatments for the disease exist, a better understanding of the pathophysiology can improve our decision-making between preventive and therapeutic measures. Various hematological disorders have been found to predispose for Kienböck's disease. On the other hand, there has not yet been any reference in literature to a relationship between this condition and hereditary hemochromatosis (HH).

We present two cases of Kienböck's disease in two patients who are third-degree relatives and diagnosed with HH. A 61-year-old Caucasian female patient with type 1 HH presented with symptomatic Kienböck's disease on the left side. The patient is a third-degree relative of a 51-year-old male Caucasian patient with Kienbock's disease on the right side, known as having the same hereditary hematological condition.

Our findings suggest a potential correlation between the aforementioned conditions. The prevalence of these coexisting pathologies should be studied further.