The Effects of Radial Core Decompression on Lunate Kinematics

Author(s):  
Andrew Smith ◽  
Philip Nowicki ◽  
Mohamed Samir Hefzy ◽  
Michael Dennis ◽  
Abdul Azim Mustapha

Kienbock’s disease is an avascular necrosis of the lunate bone in the wrist [1]. Current early-stage treatment techniques include joint leveling procedures, such as radial shortening and ulnar lengthening. These techniques serve to unload the radiolunate joint and redistribute compressive loads to the radioscaphoid joint [2]. Additionally, core decompression of the distal radius and ulna, first introduced by Illarramendi [3], and has been found clinically effective in improving early stage Kienbock’s disease. Clinical studies have since found radial core decompression (RCD) to be as effective as performing the procedure on both forearm bones [4]. However, there have been no biomechanical studies characterizing the changes in wrist kinematics following a RCD. The purpose of this study is to determine the changes in lunate motions following a RCD.

1996 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. HASHIZUME ◽  
H. ASAHARA ◽  
K. NISHIDA ◽  
H. INOUE ◽  
T. KONISHIIKE

Histopathological studies of extracted whole lunate bones obtained from 10 patients with Stage 3 Kienböck’s disease at surgery for tendon-ball replacement were correlated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and tomography images made prior to surgery. A reforming zone, or a reactive interface between the reactive new bone and granulation tissue formation, and new vascularization were observed surrounding the bone necrosis area showing empty lacunae, fatty necrosis, and disappearance of osteoid. Findings of CT, tomography and microradiography of slices of extracted lunate bone confirmed that fractures of the articular cartilage and the subchondral bone occurred secondarily by overloading, and showed the extent of the collapsed area of the lunate. MRI showed complete loss of signal intensity in T1 images of the lesion of the lunate in advanced Stage 3 Kienböck’s disease. MRI is at present unable to distinguish bone necrosis, the histological reactive interface or surrounding hyperaemia in detail. However, the low-intensity arc, or the reactive interface present on MRI in early Stage 3, sometimes correlates with the histological findings of osteoid and granulation zones.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (03) ◽  
pp. 276-282
Author(s):  
Christoph U. Schulz

Background: Metaphyseal core decompression of the distal radius (MCD) is clinically effective in early lunate necrosis without changing individual wrist mechanics. Its concept is based on the induction of physiologic mechanisms known as physiologic fracture healing response. However, this biological concept does not yet have its place in the historically developed mechanical concepts about Kienböck’s disease and requires more detailed clarifications to understand when a change of individual wrist mechanics might be unnecessary. Methods: Thirteen consecutive cases, Lichtman stage I (n = 1) or II (n = 12), confirmed by conventional MRI, were treated by MCD. Time off work, changes in magnetic resonance imaging of the lunate, as well as clinical outcome using modified Mayo wrist score were evaluated at final follow-up. Results: Return to work was at six (1–10) weeks after surgery. MRI controls at short-term generally demonstrated stop of progression and signs of bone healing. Independently from ulna variance complete signal normalization was observed in six and a distinct, yet incomplete decrease of lunate bone marrow edema and zones of fat necrosis was confirmed in further six cases after a mean of 21 (13–51) weeks. One patient had radiographic controls only, stating normal healing at 56 months. After a mean follow-up of 37 (12–70) months the clinical outcomes were excellent in eleven and good in two cases (mean 95% in modified Mayo wrist score). Conclusions: In stage I and II lunate necrosis MCD stops disease progression, it improves clinical symptoms and induces normalization of lunate bone signal alterations in MRI. Findings suggest that stage I and II lunate necrosis can be effectively treated without alterations of individual wrist mechanics. Future studies are necessary to readjust common concepts regarding Kienböck’s disease, especially focusing on conservative therapy.


Hand Surgery ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 03 (01) ◽  
pp. 63-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.-G. Simank ◽  
M. Schiltenwolf ◽  
W. Krempien

The etiology of the necrosis of the lunate bone is still unclear. In today's theories, the necrosis is explained by impairment of the arterial bone circulation or fracture following mechanical overloading. In this study, six specimen in different stages of the disease were investigated histologically. In all the specimens, focal necrosis was detected, but also signs of regeneration, i.e. immature bone formation. No signs of fracture were seen in all stages of the disease. These findings are not compatible with sudden interruption of arterial blood supply or fracture of the lunate bone as a primary lesion. Comparable histological patterns are known in the necrosis of the femoral head. The etiological model of necrosis of the femoral head is well investigated and postulates primary marrow hypertension, induced by impairment of the venous drainage. Our results are contradictory to the etiological theories of fracture or breakdown of the arterial blood supply as a primary lesion in Kienböck's disease, and support the assumption that the model of intraosseous hypertension is transferable to the necrosis of the lunate bone.


1989 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 872
Author(s):  
Kwon Ick Ha ◽  
Sung Ho Hahn ◽  
Min Young Chung ◽  
Hee Joong Kim ◽  
Tae Won An

1986 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 258-260
Author(s):  
S. S. KRISTENSEN ◽  
E. THOMASSEN ◽  
F. CHRISTENSEN

Forty four patients with forty seven wrists suffering from Kienböck’s disease were re-examined. The mean observation time was 20.5 years. In all forty seven wrists the treatment had been immobilization. Using a standard X-ray projection, and a reliable method of ulnar variance measuring, the ulnar variance was determined by three observers independently. Comparing the result with the ulnar variance in normal wrists we found the so-called “ulnar minus variant” overrepresented in patients with Kienböck’s disease. However, comparing X-rays taken at the time of diagnosis with X-rays at re-examination, we found in eight out of forty seven wrists that a subchondral bone formation in the distal radius opposite the lunate bone had taken place. This bone formation will tend to enhance the negative value of ulnar variance measurements, and suggests an explanation of the overrepresentation of “ulnar minus variants” in Kienböck’s disease. Excluding these eight wrists from the material and comparing the mean ulnar variance value in the remaining thirty nine wrists with the mean value in normal wrists no statistical difference was shown. Based on these observations it seems unlikely that the “ulnar minus variant” has any bearing on the cause of Kienböck’s disease.


2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (9) ◽  
pp. S13-S14
Author(s):  
Pablo De Carli ◽  
Ezequiel Ernesto Zaidenberg ◽  
Jorge Boretto ◽  
Gerardo L. Gallucci ◽  
Agustin Donndorff

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