Proximal row carpectomy in advanced Kienböck's disease.

Sixteen patients with advanced Kienböck's disease (Lichtman stage IIIa and IIIb) were treated with proximal row carpectomy. Two patients were lost to follow-up study. The remaining 14 patients were followed for 3 years (range, 1 to 8 years) and all experienced less pain. Wrist motion was improved or unchanged in 12. Grip strength averaged 72% of the unaffected side. All patients returned to their previous jobs. Proximal row carpectomy in this group of patients provided satisfactory results.