Capitate shortening in the treatment of Kienböck's disease.

The goal of the technically simple procedure of capitate shortening with capitate-hamate fusion is revascularization of the lunate, and on radiographic evaluation, the results have been satisfactory (Figs. 9 through 11). This surgical procedure offers the advantage of direct vision and, therefore, direct staging of the aseptic process. The procedure is designed for patients with early Kienböck's disease who have relatively minor architectural changes in the aseptic lunate, no arthritic changes, and no ulnar-minus variance. When these criteria are met, the clinical results have been encouraging and lasting.