Dorsolateral biplane closing radial osteotomy in zero variant cases of Kienbock's disease

Twenty-six patients with Lichtman stages II and III Kienbock's disease had biplane dorsolateral radial closing osteotomy to reduce the radial inclination and dorsal angles on the sagittal plane. The effects of the procedure were studied clinically, radiologically, and by magnetic resonance imaging in a 2- to 6-year follow-up study (average follow-up period, 3.5 years). The signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images of the lunate increased after surgery in all patients, suggesting revascularization. The comparative advantages of this technique are discussed with regard to others currently used. Copyright (C) 2000 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.