Outcomes of wrist denervation and core decompression of the radius for Kienbock's disease

Background: The definitive treatment of Kienbock's disease has yet to be determined. Wrist denervation combined with core decompression of the radius has not been previously studied as a combined treatment for Kienbock's disease. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of simultaneous wrist denervation and core decompression of the radius in the treatment of Kienbock's disease. Methods: All patients with Kienbock's disease who were treated with simultaneous core decompression of the radius and wrist denervation by a single surgeon at a single institution from 2012 to 2022 were contacted for this study. Demographic, clinical and radiographic data were collected retrospectively. Quick DASH and Upper Extremity PROMIS scores were collected prospectively. Results: Ten patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age at time of surgery was 31 years old. One patient was Lichtman stage 2, 5 patients were stage 3a, and 4 patients were stage 3 b. Patient reported outcomes were collected at a mean of 5.1 years since surgery (7 month-10.3 years). The mean Upper Extremity Promise T-score was 49 (median 52; age >/ = 40, normal 51.2 ± 8.2; age <40, normal 55.9 ± 6.6) and the mean Quick DASH score was 13 (median 7; normal 0–20). Nine of 10 patients reported they were satisfied with the procedure, and 100 % of patients said they would choose to have the procedure again. Conclusions: Patients with Lichtman stage 2, 3a and 3 b Kienbock's disease treated with simultaneous core decompression and wrist denervation reported minimal to no disability at 5 years after surgery. All patients in this study reported they would choose to have the surgery again to treat their Kienbock's disease.