Patient Information Resources
Hand and Thumb Specialty Centers
8715 Village Drive
Suite 504
San Antonio, TX 78217
Ph: 210-251-4362
drcoleman@thatsc.net






INFORMATION ABOUT:
Ankle
Fractures
Hand
Wrist

View Web RX

Copyright Statement
 Patient Education Disclaimer
« Back

Ten years ago, I had surgery for Kienböck's disease. The surgeon took a row of bones out of my left wrist. It seems to be holding up pretty well. There's a few things I have to be careful about like lifting. Otherwise, I'm pleased. How long will I still have good function in that hand after a surgery like this? Should I expect to get arthritis in that wrist?
Kienböck's disease is a fairly rare condition of deterioration in the wrist caused by a loss of blood supply to the area. The lunate bone along the little finger side of the wrist (next to the forearm) is affected.

Removing the lunate and/or the entire row of carpal (wrist) bones is one way to manage the problem. This latter procedure is called a proximal row carpectomy (PRC).

There aren't very many studies to go on to answer your question. When studies are presented on PRC, patients included don't always have Kienbock's. Sometimes the studies are reporting on the use of PRC with a variety of wrist pain problems.

One long-term study from the University of Wisconsin offers some insight with a small number of patients. All had PRC for advanced Kienböck’s disease. Follow-up was carried out for a minimum of 10 years. Data for some patients is available for up to 20 years.

Overall the results were good to excellent. The patients all reported decreased pain and improved grip strength and function. X-rays showed some joint degeneration but the patients were not having symptoms to suggest a problem.

Based on the small number of studies published, unless some other injury occurs, there's no reason to suspect your situation will change.


References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.
All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.