[Transplantation of pedicled pisiform bone to replace lunate bone with aseptic necrosis].
OBJECTIVE
To find out a new and effective method for the treatment of aseptic necrosis of lunate bone.


METHODS
Blood supply and morphology of pisiform bone were investigated in 25 upper limbs and 57 sets of carpal bone from adult cadavers on the basis of anatomical study. The lunate bone was replaced with pisiform bone of pedicled blood vessel and tendon of musculus flexor earpiulnaris in 17 patients with aseptic necrosis of lunate bone (stage III).


RESULTS
The patients were followed up for 18-46 months (average of 28 months). Complete relief of pain was obtained in all of the patients, and the range of motion of their wrists was improved. Grip strength was increased by 48.2%. Radiograph showed normal location of transferred pisiform bone without osteosclerosis and atrophy in 16 patients. Atrophy of pisiform bone was found 2 years after operation in one patient. In the 17 patients, 15 resumed their original jobs and 2 changed their jobs for other reasons.


CONCLUSIONS
We consider that the carpal bone chain can be completely preserved by transplantation of pedicled pisiform bone, which it is an effective method to treat aseptic necrosis stage III of lunate bone.
Zhong
G
G
Department of Orthopedics, 451st hospital of PLA, Xian.
Hu
W
W
Yan
Y
Y
D000328:Adult; D002348:Carpal Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012667:Lunate Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010007:Osteochondritis / Q000601:surgery*