Long term results of distal radius shortening for Kienböck's disease

Introduction: In literature different surgical treatments for Kienböck's disease are described. If there is an ulna minus variety a radius shortening osteotomy is advised. In this abstract the long term results are evaluated.

Methods: From 1967 until 1987 14 distal radius shortening osteotomies in 13 patients were performed for the diagnosis Kienböck's disease with ulna minus. Of these patients six (3 male and 3 female) were seen for follow-up in 2002, 2 patients (3 osteotomies) died during follow up. The average age was 33 years. The average follow-up time was 20 years (16–24 years).

Results: The average visual analogue score for pain and satisfaction was 45 en 70. The handfunctionscore (maximum 45 points) was 41 points. The average range of motion at follow-up was: dorsal-palmar flexion 55° –63°, ulnar-radial deviation 42° –25° and pro-suppination 87° –88°. The average gripstrength with the Jamar-meter was 25 N. The classification of the Kienböck's disease according to Lichtman was at follow-up not changed compared to pre-operative in 4 patients (2 patients class 2, 1 patient class 3a and one class 3b) in the other two there was only slight progression (twice from 3a to 3b).

Conclusion: Also on the long term the distal radius shortening osteotomy for Kienböck's disease with an ulna minus is a good procedure.