Proximal row carpectomy in advanced Kienbock's disease

This retrospective study assessed the outcomes of 21 patients (16 male and 5 female, mean age 39 years) with advanced Kienbock’s disease treated by resection of the proximal carpal row. They were clinically reviewed. The mean follow-up was 67 months, with all but two patients having had a follow-up of 2 years. No or mild pain was being experienced by 13 patients, moderate pain by 3 and severe pain by 5. Grip strength increased from 19 kg preoperatively to 26 kg postoperatively (or 65% of the normal contralateral side). There was a slight increase of mobility. The DASH score was 22 points (range 0–78) and the Patient Rated Wrist Score (PRWS) was 30 points (range 0–84). Two patients developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome which was ongoing at the time of review and one developed a superficial wound infection. Proximal carpal row resection arthroplasty gave satisfactory results in patients with advanced Kienbock’s disease.