Long-term results of silicone rubber implants for Kienböck's disease

Between 1971 and 1976 eight patients underwent excision of the carpal lunate for pain from Kienböck's disease. The bone was replaced by a silicone rubber implant. An average of 84 months had elapsed when they were reviewed in December 1980. All eight were very satisfied with their operations. Objectively, the clinical results were good, but radiographs showed the presence of degenerative change in the region of the wrist and alteration of the position of the prosthesis on ulnar deviation of the hand. No implant has had to be removed.