What is Kienböck Disease?

What Causes Kienböck Disease?

The lunate has limited vascular connections, so repeated loading or a single injury may reduce its blood supply. A shorter ulna compared with the radius can increase pressure across the lunate in some wrists. Many patients, however, have no single identifiable cause.

Symptoms

• Dull central wrist pain that gradually increases over months
• Tenderness made worse by gripping, squeezing or carrying an object
• Reduced ability to bend the wrist backward
• Weakness and stiffness as the condition progresses

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Kienböck disease diagnosed?

X-rays may be normal early or show changes in bone density. MRI assesses lunate viability and surrounding tissues sooner, while CT details collapse and the joint surface. Treatment depends on the stage and may include load reduction, procedures that protect blood flow or reconstruction when the joint has deteriorated.