Negative ulnar variance is not a risk factor for Kienböck's disease

Ulnar variance was measured in standardized conditions in 125 normal wrists and in 52 patients with Kienböck's disease. No significant difference in ulnar variance between a sex/age-matched control group and a group of patients affected with Kienböck's disease was found. A positive correlation was found between age and ulnar variance. No significant difference was found between men and women. Based on these results, negative ulnar variance does not seem to be an important factor in the etiology of Kienböck's disease.