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HomeAboutBasics of kienbock's diseaseImmediate medical attention Prognosis and impactsIncidence and risk factorsSymptoms

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Avascular Necrosis of the Lunate.

Edited By: Thomas Trumble, M.D.
Last updated Thursday, March 17, 2005

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About

Basics of kienbock's disease

Kienbock’s disease is an idiopathic condition, meaning there is no known cause.  The pathology results from ischemia and subsequent necrosis of the lunate, one of the primary bones of the wrist.  As the lunate collapses, the wrist undergoes a predictable pattern of arthritic degeneration and coinciding instability.  Patients will often complain of site-specific pain, weakness, and mechanical symptoms (clicking, clunking, subjective instability, and stiffness).  Depending on the stage at presentation, different modalities of treatment are available.

Immediate medical attention

The earliest symptom is pain on the mid-dorsal aspect of the wrist. It may or may not be preceded by a history of trauma.  Some authors believe it is caused by repetitive micro-trauma; however, most cases are not precipitated by any identifiable injury.  Associated with the pain patients may report local swelling, weakness, and decreased wrist extension .  The pain will precede any findings on plain radiographs.  It may be detected earlier on MRI.  Once a diagnosis of Kienbock’s disease is made, immediate referral to an orthopaedic surgeon is indicated.

Surgery for Kienbock's Disease at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4537 to make an appointment.


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