Arthroscopic assessment and classification of Kienbock's disease.

The authors have utilised arthroscopy to assess and classify Kienbock's avascular necrosis of the lunate. The classification is based on the number of articular surfaces of the lunate and adjacent articulation, which are non-functional. Kienbock's disease usually affects the proximal surface of the lunate first with subsequent secondary changes to the lunate facet of the radius. Advanced cases and those with a coronal fracture of the lunate will cause involvement of the mid carpal joint. Surgery is aimed to debride the joint, classify the level of disease and direct the definitive procedure to be performed. If the articular surfaces are intact, a synovectomy or radial shortening would be indicated. If there is involvement of the lunate but an intact lunate facet a proximal row carpectomy would be indicated. If there is involvement of the proximal lunate and lunate facet then a radio-scapholunate fusion could be utilised. More extensive involvement of the joint would require a wrist fusion. Arthroscopy provides a valuable assessment and subsequent classification of Kienbock's disease.