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Background: Metaphyseal core decompression of the distal radius (MCD) is clinically effective in early lunate necrosis without changing individual wrist mechanics. Its concept is based on the induction of physiologic mechanisms known as physiologic fracture healing response. However, this biological concept does not yet have its place in the historically developed mechanical concepts about Kienböck’s disease and requires more detailed clarifications to understand when a change of individual wrist mechanics might be unnecessary.

Methods: Thirteen consecutive cases, Lichtman stage I (n = 1) or II (n = 12), confirmed by conventional MRI, were treated by MCD. Time off work, changes in magnetic resonance imaging of the lunate, as well as clinical outcome using modified Mayo wrist score were evaluated at final follow-up.

Results: Return to work was at six (1–10) weeks after surgery. MRI controls at short-term generally demonstrated stop of progression and signs of bone healing. Independently from ulna variance complete signal normalization was observed in six and a distinct, yet incomplete decrease of lunate bone marrow edema and zones of fat necrosis was confirmed in further six cases after a mean of 21 (13–51) weeks. One patient had radiographic controls only, stating normal healing at 56 months. After a mean follow-up of 37 (12–70) months the clinical outcomes were excellent in eleven and good in two cases (mean 95% in modified Mayo wrist score).

Conclusions: In stage I and II lunate necrosis MCD stops disease progression, it improves clinical symptoms and induces normalization of lunate bone signal alterations in MRI. Findings suggest that stage I and II lunate necrosis can be effectively treated without alterations of individual wrist mechanics. Future studies are necessary to readjust common concepts regarding Kienböck’s disease, especially focusing on conservative therapy.

Background: Core decompression of the distal radius is a minimally invasive technique that has demonstrated good clinical outcomes in the treatment of Kienböck disease. However, the effectiveness of core decompression has not been compared in different age groups. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of core decompression in patients <45 years of age to those ≥45 years of age.

Methods: This retrospective study included 36 patients with Kienböck disease who were treated with core decompression over a 20-year period. The mean follow-up was 7 years. Outcome measures included visual analogue scale pain score (VAS), active range of flexion/extension at the wrist, grip strength, and modified Mayo wrist score. The patients were divided into two age groups namely <45 years (younger group; n = 22) and ≥45 years (older group; n = 12) and the outcome measures were compared between the two age groups.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the outcomes of the two age groups.

Conclusion: The outcomes of core decompression of the distal radius for Kienböck disease in older patients (≥45 years) are favorable and similar to those seen in younger patients (<45 years).

Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic)

Background: Despite the good clinical results in the treatment of Kienböck disease with distal radius core decompression, a radiological progression to a certain degree in the long-term follow-up is possible. Is there a negative correlation between the clinical improvement of the patients and the radiological progression?

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the radiological and clinical results of 24 patients (mean age: 38 years; 10 women) treated with core decompression for Kienböck disease. The mean follow-up was 10 years.

Results: A radiologic progression in the Lichtman classification was seen in nine patients. The Spearman correlation did not show any correlation between this radiological progression and the clinical outcome. Namely −0.06 between Mayo and Lichtman classification and 0.16 between VAS and Lichtman classification.

Conclusions: We found that the clinical outcomes do not deteriorate despite a radiological progression of patients treated with core decompression for Kienböck disease

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)