Functional and radiological results of partial capitate shortening osteotomy in the treatment of Kienböck’s disease

This study assessed the functional and radiological results of partial capitate shortening osteotomy in the treatment of Lichtman stage 2 and 3A Kienböck's disease. Nineteen patients who underwent partial capitate shortening osteotomy between 2014 and 2017 were included. Functional and radiological parameters were assessed both pre- and postoperatively. The mean age was 35 years and the mean follow-up was 16 months. Pain scores, wrist range of motion, hand and finger strength, carpal height ratio and lunate height were significantly improved compared with their preoperative values. Sixteen patients were able to return to work. Ten of them had complete and six had partial revascularization. The mean time taken to return to work was 62 days. No vascularity was achieved in three patients who were unable to return to work. Partial capitate shortening osteotomy is effective in the treatment of stage 2 and 3A Kienböck's disease with successful results both functionally and radiologically. Level of evidence: IV