Scaphocapitate fusion in the treatment of Kienböck's disease.

The primary treatment goal for Kienböck's disease remains decompression of the lunate. Although a number of treatment options are available, scaphocapitate fusion is our first choice in many cases of Kienböck's disease. Scaphocapitate fusion mechanically decompresses the lunate and prevents progressive carpal instability. When compared with STT fusion, it has been shown to result in equal or relatively less loss of wrist motion and thumb basilar joint motion. For disease in earlier stages and with ulnar-minus variance, joint leveling procedures have been shown effective; but ulnar-neutral and ulnar-positive wrists would cause one to favor scaphocapitate fusion to prevent postoperative ulnocarpal abutment.