Arthroscopic Debridement and Arthrolysis for the Treatment of Advanced Kienböck's Disease: 18-Month and 5-Year Postoperative Results

Background Salvage procedures, such as proximal row carpectomy, limited or total wrist arthrodesis, and wrist replacement, are generally preferred to treat advanced Kienböck's disease. However, these procedures are particularly aggressive and may have unpredictable results and potentially significant complications. Questions/Purpose This study aimed to present the short- to mid-term clinical and functional results of arthroscopic debridement and arthrolysis in the management of advanced Kienböck's disease. Patients and Methods Fifteen patients in whom Lichtman Stages IIIA to IIIC or IV Kienböck's disease was diagnosed and treated by arthroscopic wrist debridement and arthrolysis were included in this retrospective study. The mean age was 30 years (range: 21–45). The mean follow-up period duration was 36 months (range: 18–60). The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, visual analog scale (VAS), wrist range of motion (ROM), and grip strength were measured preoperatively and then again at the final follow-up visit. Results The mean DASH and VAS scores improved from 41 (range: 31–52) and 7.1 (range: 6–8) preoperatively to 13 (range: 8–21) and 2 (range: 0–3; p < 0.001) at the final follow-up visit, respectively. The mean wrist flexion and extension values increased from 32 (range: 20–60 degrees) and 56 degrees (range: 30–70 degrees; p = 0.009) preoperatively to 34 (range: 10–65 degrees; p = 0.218) and 57 degrees (range: 30–70 degrees; p = 0.296) at the final follow-up appointment, respectively, although these findings were statistically insignificant. The mean strength of the hand grip increased from 22.7 (range: 9–33) to 23.3 (range: 10–34; p = 0.372). Conclusion Arthroscopic debridement and arthrolysis may improve wrist function and quality of life due to the preserved ROM and hand grip strength after short- to mid-term follow-up periods despite the radiographic progression of Kienböck's disease. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, retrospective case series study.