[Kienböck's disease treated by shortening osteotomy of the radius. Analysis of the results apropos of 13 cases].

A series of 13 cases of Kienbock's disease, treated by shortening of the radius, operated between 1975 and 1995, is presented. This series consisted of 7 males and 6 females with a mean age of 27.5 years (range: 17 to 37 years). The dominant hand was affected in 12 cases. 6 men and 5 women performed heavy work. The mean period between the first symptoms and the operation was 18 months (range: 3 months to 6 years). In 10 cases, pain was severe and limited activities; in 3 cases, pain was moderate with partial limitation of activity. 8 cases had a mobility greater than 75% compared to the healthy side. 5 cases had a mobility of approximately 50%. None of the cases had a mobility less than 25%. Strength was not measured preoperatively with the JAMAR dynamometer. The standard radiographic assessment included an AP palm-plate film (raised palm) and a true profile on a small board. This radiographic assessment established, for each case: the Decoulx and Lichtmann classification, the radioulnar index, the angle of the radial slope and the lunate fossa, collapse of the carpus according to Youm and McMurtry. There were two stage 1, three stage 2, eight stage 3 (six stage 3A, and two stage 3B) and no stage 4. The radioulnar index was negative in 10 cases, zero in 1 case, and positive in 2 cases. The mean angle of the radial slope was 23 degrees, the mean angle of the lunate fossa was 10.8 degrees, the mean height of the carpus was 0.476. The incision was anterior in 7 cases, and posterolateral in 6 cases. The mean shortening was 5 mm (range: 4 to 6 mm). Patients were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 5 years (range: 10 months to 12 years). The analysis according to Michon's criteria revealed 3 excellent results, 9 good results, 1 moderate result and no poor results. All patients were able to resume their previous occupation. Five no longer had any pain, 6 had moderate and rare pain, 2 patients presented pain limiting activity. 10 patients presented a mobility greater than 75% compared to the healthy side. In 2 cases, the mobility was greater than 50%. In 9 cases, the strength was greater than 75% compared to the healthy side, and in 4 cases, it was greater than 50%. Radiological assessment, all stages combined, showed 4 improvements, 7 stabilizations, 2 deteriorations. There was no correlation between the height of the carpus (which varied only very slightly postoperatively) and the clinical or radiological course. In this series of 13 patients; shortening osteotomy gave results on all stages of the disease. There was no correlation between the clinical and radiological course of the lunate, and the following factors: age, preoperative radiographic stage, instability of the carpus, position of the plate. On the basis of the results of our series, it appears important to increase the angle of the lunate fossa and to obtain an angulation greater than 12 degrees 5 and to maintain a negative radioulnar index. The 2 cases of radiological deteriorations corresponded to a positive postoperative radioulnar index, while the index remained negative in the 4 cases of improvement; all cases in which the angulation of the lunate fossa was greater than 12 degrees stabilized or improved radiologically, regardless of the preoperative stage. Despite contradictory theories, we believe, in the light of our series, that an angulation of the lunate fossa greater than 12 degrees and that a negative radioulnar index appear to be decisive criteria in the course of Kienböck's disease treated by shortening of the radius.