Double v-shaped cancellous osteotomy of the radius for kienbock's disease

Seventeen patients with kienbock's disease were treated by radial shortening, by double V-shaped osteotomy. After and average of 2 years, relief of pain was satisfactory in ten patients [58.9%]; two patients [11.8%] were dissatisfied because they had persistant pain; while 5 patients [29.4%] had a mild tolerated pain. The range of motion improved moderately, in all cases, nonunion at the site of radial shortening osteotomy did not occur. Radiograph at follow up showed consolidation and healing of the lunate in 10 patients [58.9%], non progression of the disease in 5 patients [29.4%] and increase of the carpal collapse and osteoarthritis of the wrist in only 2 cases [11.8%]. The procedure helps to prevent further collapse of the lunate especially in early affected cases, provides a rich media for increase vasularity of the lunate and decrease the compressive forces of lower end of the radius on the lunate bone