Background:
Capitate shortening is the best decompression procedure in management of
Kienböck's disease in ulna neutral or positive patients, although carpal collapse
develop inevitably. The purpose of this study was to report our experience in partial
capitate shortening osteotomy as an alternative procedure.
METHODS:
Prospective study of 20 patients with Lichtman stage II and IIIa Kienböck's disease,
managed by partial capitate shortening osteotomy.
RESULTS:
At final follow up (average 24.5 months), VAS for Pain improved significantly
postoperatively to 3.3. Flexion and extension improved from 62% (±17) and 52% (±21)
preoperatively to 63% (±13%) and 68% (±13) postoperatively respectively. The power
grip improved significantly from 49% (±16) to 63% (±12) postoperatively. The average
quick DASH Score improved from 60.8(±13.8) to 38.3(±13.9) postoperatively.
CONCLUSIONS:
Partial capitate shortening is a simple and effective procedure for the treatment of ulnar
neutral or ulnar positive Kienböck's disease prior to the onset of radiocarpal arthrosis
without violation of scaphocapitate joint thus avoiding carpal collapse that follow
complete capitate shortening.