Core decompression of the distal radius for the treatment of Kienböck's disease: a biomechanical study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effect of core decompression of the distal radius for the treatment of Kienböck's disease.


METHODS
In 7 fresh cadaver upper extremities, axial loads were applied and the pressure in the radiocarpal joint measured using pressure-sensitive film before and after core decompression of the distal radius.


RESULTS
Biomechanically, the stiffness of the distal forearm statistically decreased significantly from 229.4 N/mm to 198.6 N/mm after core decompression. No or minimal changes in the distribution of the force in each radiocarpal fossa and ulnocarpal fossa, the area of contact in each fossa, and the location of the centroid of force were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Core decompression of the distal radius in the setting of Kienböck's disease has been documented good clinical outcomes, yet the biomechanical analysis of this surgical technique does not demonstrate obvious unloading of the lunate.
Sherman
Gary M
GM
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Institute for Human Performance, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
Spath
Catherine
C
Harley
Brian J
BJ
Weiner
Marsha M
MM
Werner
Frederick W
FW
Palmer
Andrew K
AK
D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002102:Cadaver; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D012667:Lunate Bone / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D011884:Radius / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery