Scaphocapitate arthrodesis for the treatment of Kienböck's disease

Eleven consecutive patients, ten men and one woman (median age, 26 years) presenting with Kienböck's disease, were treated with scaphocapitate arthrodesis. Ten patients had grade III, and one had grade II disease by Lichtman classification. The average follow-up period was 36 months (minimum, 1 year). The lunate was left in situ and scaphocapitate arthrodesis was performed with two lag screws and corticocancellous bone graft. The ulnar variance of the affected wrist was negative (-2.23 mm) and significantly different from the unaffected side. Ten patients had complete pain relief and one had persistent pain. Nine returned to their previous vocations.