Radial shortening for Kienbock disease: long term follow-up

ABSTRACT

Fifteen patients who had radial shortening for the treatment of Kienbock disease were reviewed to assess the results of these procedures. All wrists were reexamined at an average follow-up of 5.5 years [range 3.5-8.0 years]. The age ranged between 20 and 40 years, with an average of 30 years. We noticed improvement in pain severity, range of motion of the wrist and functional capacity of all patients. Radiographic assessment at latest follow-up did not show degenerative changes in the studied wrists. Radial shortening is an effective treatment for Kienbock disease provided absence of arthritic changes in the wrist joint and adjacent carpal bones