OUTCOME STUDY OF ARTHROSCOPIC DECOMPRESSION OF THE LUNATE IN KIENBOCK'S DISEASE

SummaryArthroscopic decompression of the lunate decreases clinical symptoms and slows progression of Kienbock's Disease.IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes of patients suffering from avascular necrosis of the lunate, or Kienbock's Disease, who received arthroscopic decompression to treat the ischemic lunate. Previous studies have demonstrated an elevated intraosseus pressure in the ischemic lunate, and it has been hypothesised that ischemia in the lunate is secondary to this elevated pressure and subsequent venous congestion, as opposed to diminished arterial supply. Based on this work we have used decompression of the lunate to prevent progression of the disease.Patients and Methods21 patients, (22 wrists), reported to a single surgeon with a chief complaint of unremitting wrist pain and the subsequent diagnosis was Kienbock's disease, stages I, II, IIIA or IIIB. Range of motion measurement and grip strength, as well as self-reported outcome measures such as Disabilities...