Kienbock's disease, also known as avascular necrosis of the lunate, is a condition that affects the wrist joint. It occurs when the blood supply to the lunate bone, one of the small bones in the wrist, is disrupted, causing the bone to gradually die or deteriorate.
The exact cause of Kienbock's disease is not known, but it is believed to be related to a combination of factors, including trauma to the wrist, abnormal wrist anatomy, and problems with the blood supply to the bone.
Symptoms of Kienbock's disease may include wrist pain, stiffness, and difficulty with wrist movement. Over time, the affected wrist may become weakened, and there may be a decrease in grip strength.
Treatment for Kienbock's disease may depend on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may be treated with rest, immobilization of the wrist, and pain management with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other medications. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pain, restore wrist function, and prevent further deterioration of the lunate bone. Surgical options may include bone grafting, joint fusion, or joint replacement.