Arthroscopic evaluation of radial osteotomy for Kienböck's disease

To determine whether osteoarthritic changes of the perilunate articular cartilage improve following radial osteotomy for Kienböck's disease and correlate with clinical results, arthroscopic examination was performed in 18 patients concurrently with radial osteotomy and at the time of removal of implants after an average of 21 months. Clinical results were satisfactory. All patients improved the preoperative level of pain. Wrist function was improved in range of motion and grip strength. Radiographic findings also demonstrated prevention of further collapse of the lunate. However, follow-up arthroscopic examination revealed progression of osteoarthritis in the area of the lunate in two thirds of the cases. There was no correlation between arthroscopic observations and clinical results. A long-term follow-up period is therefore advocated for evaluation of radial osteotomy because of the possibility of additional progression of osteoarthritic changes.