Long-term outcome of radial shortening with or without ulnar shortening for treatment of Kienbock's disease: a 13-25 year follow-up

Fourteen of 35 patients who underwent radial shortening with or without ulnar shortening for the treatment of Kienbock's disease were followed up for a median of 19 (range, 13-25) years. Radial shortening was performed for patients with ulnar negative or neutral variance, and combined shortening of radius and ulna for those with ulnar positive variance. Overall the clinical situation was significantly improved at the final follow-up. There was no significant advanced collapse of the wrists and Lichtman's stage of disease increased in only three cases. Although osteoarthritic changes in the distal radio-ulnar joint progressed in five patients, this may have little influence on clinical outcome. Radial shortening osteotomy is a reliable method for treatment of Kienbock's disease.