The Etiology and Pathogenesis of Kienböck Disease

Detecting Avascular Necrosis of the Lunate from Radiographs Using a Deep-Learning Model

Deep-learning (DL) algorithms have the potential to change medical image classification and diagnostics in the coming decade. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the lunate may have a detrimental effect on patient hand function. The aim of this study was to use a segmentation-based DL model to diagnose AVN of the lunate from wrist postero-anterior radiographs. A total of 319 radiographs of the diseased lunate and 1228 control radiographs were gathered from Helsinki University Central Hospital database. Of these, 10% were separated to form a test set for model validation. MRI confirmed the absence of disease. In cases of AVN of the lunate, a hand surgeon at Helsinki University Hospital validated the accurate diagnosis using either MRI or radiography. For detection of AVN, the model had a sensitivity of 93.33% (95% confidence interval (CI) 77.93-99.18%), specificity of 93.28% (95% CI 87.18-97.05%), and accuracy of 93.28% (95% CI 87.99-96.73%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.94 (95% CI 0.88-0.99). Compared to three clinical experts, the DL model had better AUC than one clinical expert and only one expert had higher accuracy than the DL model. The results were otherwise similar between the model and clinical experts. Our DL model performed well and may be a future beneficial tool for screening of AVN of the lunate.

The Effect of Radial Inclination on the Stage of Kienbock Disease at the Time of Initial Diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Negative ulnar variance is a widely accepted risk factor for the development of Kienbock disease (KD). Variation in radial inclination has been proposed as a risk factor, but evidence thus far has been inconclusive. We aim to clarify the relationship between radial inclination and KD.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all KD patients from a single institution from 2007 to 2021 was conducted. Radiographs were reviewed to measure anatomic parameters and stage of disease. An exploratory multinomial regression model was created to examine the association of patient age, radial height, ulnar variance, radial inclination, volar tilt, scapholunate angle, duration of symptoms prior to evaluation, history of wrist trauma, and diagnosis of diabetes with stage of disease.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven cases of KD were identified, with a mean duration of disease of 33.3 months. A history of trauma to the wrist was common (53%) and significantly associated with stage of disease at initial presentation. Twenty-seven cases (47%) were stage IIIB or greater. The average initial radial inclination, radial height, and ulnar variance was 21.9°, 10.7 mm, and -1.23 mm, respectively. A multinominal logistic regression model revealed decreased initial radial inclination is associated with Lichtman stage IIIB or greater at the time of initial patient presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

A correlation exists between decreased radial inclination and more advanced KD at presentation, suggesting this may be a risk factor for disease progression. This correlation is strengthened by our finding of decreased ulnar variance being associated with later stage at presentation, which is one of the most widely accepted proposed risk factors for development and progression of disease.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Comparison of Long-term Outcomes between Nonoperative Treatment and Vascularized Bone Graft for Kienböck Disease: A Systematic Review and Single-Arm Meta-Analysis

Background

This systematic literature review compared long-term outcomes between nonoperative treatment and vascularized bone graft (VBG) in patients with Kienböck disease.

Methods

We systematically reviewed studies on nonoperative treatment and VBG for Kienböck disease with a mean follow-up of ≥ 5 years. A systematic search was conducted in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, and Embase databases to select relevant articles. Data on patient demographics, treatment details, and outcomes were extracted.

Results

Twelve studies (6 for nonoperative treatment and 6 for VBG) were included. The proportion of wrists showing worsening Lichtman stages after treatment was 40.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 25.7-56.6) and 17.0% (95% CI, 10.2%-26.9%) in the nonoperative treatment group and VBG group, respectively. No change in the stage was observed in 52.4% (95% CI, 25.5%-78.0%) and 77.8% (95% CI, 66.7%-86.0%) of the wrists in the nonoperative treatment group and VBG group, respectively. The proportion of wrists without pain at the final follow-up was 29.2% (95% CI, 16.6%-46.1%) and 35.9% (95% CI, 22.6%-52.0%) in the nonoperative treatment group and VBG group, respectively. The proportion of wrists with more than a moderate degree was 30.4% (95% CI, 22.7%-39.4%) and 12.9% (95% CI, 5.5%-27.4%) in the nonoperative treatment group and VBG group, respectively. The 95% CIs of the mean wrist range of motion and mean grip strength ratio of the affected side to the contralateral side substantially overlapped in the two groups.

Conclusions

The VBG group showed greater improvement in the radiographic stage and wrist pain than did the nonoperative treatment group after treatment, but meaningful differences in parameters were not observed. Further well-designed studies are needed to confirm the superiority of VBG to nonoperative treatment regarding radiographic and clinical outcomes.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Scaphocapitate Fusion in Kienböck Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose

To report the functional and radiological outcomes of scaphocapitate (SC) arthrodesis in the treatment of Kienböck disease.

Methods

This meta-analysis was conducted with adherence to PRISMA guidelines. Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane and Virtual Health Library were searched from inception until November 2022. All original studies that investigated the outcomes of scaphocapitate fusion in Kienböck disease were included. Exclusion criteria were arthroscopically performed fusions, concomitant radial shortening, traumatic or other etiologies of lunate avascular necrosis, and studies published in languages other than English. Outcomes of interest were pre- and post-operative wrist range of motion, VAS score, functional scores, radiological outcomes, surgical technique, complication rate and reoperation rate.

Results

The total number of included participants was 203 from 11 articles. The results showed no significant differences pre- and post-operatively in terms of wrist flexion, extension and ulnar deviation. However, there was a significant reduction in radial deviation after the surgery (WMD -2.30; 95% CI, -4.26 to -0.33). Moreover, a significant increase was noticed in grip strength in Kg (WMD 13.29; 95% CI, 3.21-23.37) and mmHg post-operatively (WMD 23.75; 95% CI, 17.56-29.94). In addition, the models demonstrated significant decrease in carpal height (WMD -0.01; 95% CI, -0.02 to 0.00), scapholunate angle (WMD -12.11; 95% CI, -20.46 to -3.77) and radioscaphoid angle after the surgery (WMD -12.09; 95% CI, -15.51 to -8.67). The pooled overall rate of complication and reoperation rates were 24% (95% CI, 6%-47%) and 14% (95% CI, 3%-31%), respectively.

Conclusions

Scaphocapitate arthrodesis is an effective procedure for treatment of Kienböck disease. This procedure is associated with satisfactory functional outcomes and significant improvement in pain scores and grip strength. Further studies with larger sample sizes and reduced heterogeneity are needed for a better evaluation of the results.

Clinical relevance

Scaphocapitate arthrodesis is a recommended surgery for Kienböck disease with satisfactory functional and radiological outcomes. However, patients should be counseled on the possible complications and reoperation rate.

Scapho-luno-capitate fusion with proximal lunate articular surface preservation for management of grade IIIA Kienböck's disease: a prospective case series

BACKGROUND

Kienböck's disease is idiopathic lunate avascular necrosis, which may lead to lunate collapse, abnormal carpal motion and wrist arthritis. The current study aimed to assess the outcomes of treating stage IIIA Kienböck's disease by a novel technique of limited carpal fusion via partial lunate excision with preservation of the proximal lunate surface and scapho-luno-capitate (SLC) fusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective study of patients with grade IIIA Kienböck's disease managed with a novel technique of limited carpal fusion comprising SLC fusion with preservation of the proximal lunate articular cartilage. Autologous iliac crest bone grafting and K-wires fixation were used to enhance the osteosynthesis of the SLC fusion. The minimum follow-up period was 1 year. A visual analog scale (VAS) and the Mayo Wrist Score were utilized for the evaluation of patient residual pain and functional assessment, respectively. A digital Smedley dynamometer was used to measure the grip strength. The modified carpal height ratio (MCHR) was used for monitoring carpal collapse. The radioscaphoid angle, scapholunate angle, and the modified carpal-ulnar distance ratio were used for the assessment of carpal bones alignment and ulnar translocation of carpal bones.

RESULTS

This study included 20 patients with a mean age of 27.9 ± 5.5 years. At the last follow-up, the mean range of flexion/extension range of motion (% of normal side) improved from 52.8 ± 5.4% to 65.7 ± 11.1%, P = 0.002, the mean grip strength (% of normal side) improved from 54.6 ± 11.8% to 88.3 ± 12.4%, P = 0.001, the mean Mayo Wrist Score improved from 41.5 ± 8.2 to 81 ± 9.2, P = 0.002, and the mean VAS score reduced from 6.1 ± 1.6 to 0.6 ± 0.4, P = 0.004. The mean follow-up MCHR improved from 1.46 ± 0.11 to 1.59 ± 0.34, P = 0.112. The mean radioscaphoid angle improved from 63 ± 10º to 49 ± 6º, P = 0.011. The mean scapholunate angle increased from 32 ± 6º to 47 ± 8º, P = 0.004. The mean modified carpal-ulnar distance ratio was preserved and none of the patients developed ulnar translocation of the carpal bones. Radiological union was achieved in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Scapho-luno-capitate fusion with partial lunate excision and preservation of the proximal lunate surface is a valuable option for treating stage IIIA Kienböck's disease, with satisfactory outcomes. Level of evidence Level IV. Trial registration Not applicable.

Lunate Fracture Morphology in Kienbock's Disease-A Computed Tomography Study

Background  The pathogenesis of Kienbock's disease is poorly understood. The coronal fracture line is acknowledged as a poor prognostic marker in the disease. Other fracture types in the Kienbock's wrist have subsequently been identified. Questions/Purposes  The aim is to study the fracture morphology of the lunate in a cohort of patients using computed tomography. Methods  Patient images were acquired using a set protocol with four-dimensional computed tomography scanning. Images were reviewed by two orthopaedic surgeons and a consultant radiologist. Static and dynamic images were assessed and a fracture map created. The relationship of fracture type to other parameters was then analyzed. Results  Twenty-three patients were included in the study, including 11 males and 12 females, with a mean age of 43 years. Total frequency of fracture lines in the cohort was coronal - 26, proximal subchondral bone plate type - 24, avulsion - 19, sagittal - 16, and distal subchondral bone plate type - 11. There were statistically significantly more proximal than distal subchondral bone plate fractures ( p  = 0.03), and more coronal fractures than distal subchondral bone plate fractures ( p  = 0.01). There were statistically significantly more radiolunate ligament-avulsion types ( p <0.001) than other types. The sagittal fracture line through the lunate approximated closely to the ulnar edge of the capitate and the ulnar edge of the radius. Conclusion  Study on the fracture morphology in the Kienbock's wrist has improved our understanding of the disease pathogenesis. Fracture lines may correspond to loading points, intrinsic and extrinsic ligament avulsions. These fracture types may play a role in disease progression and are important to identify when considering lunate salvage surgery.

Kienböck's disease: preventing disease progression in early-stage disease

Currently Kienböck's disease remains an 'unsolved' problem in hand surgery. Different factors have been associated with the avascular necrosis of the lunate. Mechanical, vascular and biological factors, alone or in combination, may have an influence in the aetiopathogenesis and determine the progress of the disease and even the results of the treatment. This is especially relevant in the early stages, in which conservative or surgical treatment may modify the natural history of the disease, maintaining the lunate structure and thus preserving the joint surfaces. There are multiple surgical treatments for Kienböck's disease in the early stages, before lunate collapse; each one is based on one of the possible factors that can cause avascular necrosis of the lunate. The objective is not only to treat symptoms but to prevent progression. This article is a review of the most frequent treatments used in the early stages and a personal view of the authors.Level of evidence: V.

Mid-term follow-up results of gradual capitate lengthening for the treatment of stage IIIA Kienbock's disease

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the mid-term radiological and clinical results of gradual lengthening of capitate for the treatment of stage IIIA Kienbock's disease.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed nine patients (five females, four males) with Lichtman stage IIIA Kienbock's disease who underwent gradual capitate lengthening at our hospital. Their clinical (range of motion (ROM), grip strength, visual analogue scale (VAS) value for pain, and Mayo wrist score (MWS)) and radiological outcomes (in terms of progression of arthritis and carpal height ratio) at the last follow-up were compared to the preoperative values.

RESULTS

The mean age of the nine patients was 30 years (range: 20-38 years). The mean follow-up period was 73.8 (60-83) months. The average grip strength increased from 14.3 kg preoperatively to 22.3 kg at the last follow-up. The mean MWS increased from 58.8 preoperatively to 79.4 postoperatively. The mean VAS values decreased from the preoperative values: from 1.9 to 0.36 at rest, from 3.75 to 1.6 during mild effort, and from 5.35 to 3 during severe effort. The average carpal height ratio changed from 0.38 preoperatively to 0.53 postoperatively. None of the patients had any arthritic changes in their wrists.

CONCLUSION

Gradual lengthening of capitate offers satisfactory mid-term results for treating stage IIIA Kienbock's disease.

Kienböck's disease in 2021

The cause of Kienböck's disease is still unclear. It was initially considered as osteomalacia, before being recognized as avascular necrosis of the lunate. Its functional prognosis is doubtful, given that the progression often leads to wrist degeneration. Conservative treatment does not provide good results in adults; thus surgery is often needed. Certain anatomical factors such as the ulnar variance, configuration of the lunate or orientation of the radial glenoid have turned out not to contribute to necrosis but may contribute to lunate fracture. The lunate's vascularization can be precarious and mostly depends on the capsular arterioles. The lunate is a very mobile bone that participates in wrist movements, both in the radiocarpal joint and especially in the mid-carpal joints during activities of daily living. Radiographs are not the only diagnostic tools. The lunate makes contact with the radius and triangular fibrocartilage complex and is often subjected to high shear loads at the edge of the radius that can cause it to fracture. MRI and arthroscopy can contribute to the assessment. Kienböck's disease is likely an inflammatory, biological venous thrombosis disorder that leads to local damage due to intraosseous compartment syndrome. The basis of surgical treatment is to decompress the lunate to shield it from shear and compression loads. Existing osteotomy procedures will be described and compared to better understand their biomechanical effects. Some osteotomies do not reduce the loads transmitted to the lunate but can reduce the risk of intra-osseous shear. Some osteotomies may place excessive pressure on the lunate on its ulnar side. Some techniques are extra-articular and preserve the capsule's vascularization along with the anatomy of the mid-carpal joint. When the lunate damage is so severe that the bone's viability is compromised, bone grafting or replacement have been proposed. The palliative techniques typically used for wrist degeneration are indicated in the terminal stages. There are currently no effective biological treatments. While the origin of Kienböck's disease is still unknown, we now know that decompression osteotomies, while they do not heal the necrosis, protect the lunate from collapse, which hopefully provides enough time for biological healing to occur.

Postoperative Imaging of Ulnar Wrist Pain

Ulnar wrist pain, caused by a broad spectrum of bone and soft tissue injuries, is the most common clinical condition of the wrist. Multiple surgical techniques and their variants in the treatment of these injuries are constantly evolving. Postoperative evaluation of the wrist for many surgeons is limited to serial clinical and radiographic monitoring. However, imaging methods such as ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and arthrographic techniques (arthrographic CT and arthrographic MRI) play a fundamental role in diagnosing and managing postsurgical complications.The several critical aspects in evaluating the postsurgical wrist imaging spectrum are familiarity with the surgical techniques, knowledge of the original clinical problem, understanding the strength and limitations of the different radiologic modalities, and effective communication between surgeon and radiologist.

Kinematics of the wrist in Kienböck's disease: a four-dimensional computed tomography study

We studied the kinematics of 20 wrists affected by Kienböck's disease using four-dimensional computed tomography (4-D-CT) scanning. Degenerative changes progressed from the lunate facet to the scaphoid fossa at the radiocarpal articulation, then involved the midcarpal joint. Lunate fracture types included coronal (14/20), sagittal (10/20) and ligament attachment-types (8/20). Findings specific to dynamic scanning included the nutcracker phenomenon (12/20), anterior radiolunate impingement (7/20), internal instability of the lunate (6/20), ulnar styloid triquetral impingement (3/20) and dynamic proximal row instability (2/20). Ulnocarpal translocation was found in 4/20 cases. Dynamic 4-D-CT has helped us to identify a subset of pathology in Kienböck's disease on assessment of static imaging. Better understanding of these phenomena can improve our understanding of symptoms and may help direct surgical treatment.Level of evidence: IV.

Update on the Use of Arthroscopy in Kienböck's Disease Management

Kienböck's disease is a clinical-radiological condition that can permanently affect wrist functionality and the patient's quality of life. Proper, pertinent diagnosis and treatment are required to avoid salvage procedures. Arthroscopic techniques have emerged as an important tool for the treatment of certain stages of the disease.

We present a review of the literature and propose a treatment algorithm according to the stage of the disease, including arthroscopic techniques. We detail the surgical technique of arthroscopic scaphocapitate arthrodesis, and the functional outcomes obtained by our group.

Single-Cut Single-Screw Capitate-Shortening Osteotomy for Kienbock's Disease

Background  Kienbock's disease, in spite of an uncertain natural history, is known to cause lunate compromise, leading to central column collapse, carpal instability, and degenerative arthritis of the wrist. Joint leveling procedures are performed in the early stages of Kienbock's disease to "unload" the lunate. Capitate shortening is the preferred procedure in Kienbock's patients with positive ulnar variance. Description of Technique  We describe the rationale and a simplified technique of capitate shortening in early Kienbock's disease. This is a single-cut osteotomy with single-screw stabilization. Patients and Methods  We have performed this technique in three cases. We present a case of a 26-year-old male who presented with a 1-year history of pain in his right wrist. Radiology performed demonstrated lunate sclerosis. Diagnostic arthroscopy revealed healthy articular surfaces. Single osteotomy capitate shortening was performed with an oscillating saw and fixed with a single cannulated compression screw. A shortening of 1.5mm was obtained with this technique. Results  At 1- to 2-year follow-up, all three patients had considerable pain relief but did not have a complete resolution of pain. There was a significant improvement in function and grip strength. There have been no cases with infection, nonunion, avascular necrosis or a need for a salvage procedure. Conclusion  The simplified technique of capitate shortening is easy to perform, less traumatic to the capitate vascularity, and leads to good short-term functional results.

Kienböck's disease: Where do we stand?

Avascular necrosis of the lunate, commonly known as Kienböck's disease is a disorder that can lead to carpal collapse and the need for surgeries, which can stabilize the wrist. There are different associations with the disease but the exact etiology is unknown. Kienböck's disease is believed to result from mechanical and vascular factors in genetically predisposed individuals. The newer classification based on advanced wrist arthroscopy and MRI help in a better understanding of the disease, early diagnosis, and treatment. A review of recent literature regarding newer treatment options has shown good results in the early stages of osteonecrosis. This article intends to review an update on the etiopathogenesis, classification, and the current advanced treatment options.

Evaluation for Kienböck Disease Familial Clustering: A Population-Based Cohort Study

PURPOSE

Kienböck disease (KD) is rare and its etiology remains unknown. As a result, the ideal treatment is also in question. Our primary purpose was to test the hypothesis that KD would demonstrate familial clustering in a large statewide population with comprehensive genealogical records, possibly suggesting a genetic etiologic contribution. Our secondary purpose was to evaluate for associations between KD and known risk factors for avascular necrosis.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with KD were identified by searching medical records from a comprehensive statewide database, the Utah Population Database. This database contains pedigrees dating back to the early 1800s, which are linked to 31 million medical records for 11 million patients from 1996 to the present. Affected individuals were then mapped to pedigrees to identify high-risk families with an increased incidence of KD relative to control pedigrees. The magnitude of familial risk of KD in related individuals was calculated using Cox regression models. Association of risk factors related to KD was analyzed using conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

We identified 394 affected individuals linked to 194 unrelated high-risk pedigrees with increased incidence of KD. The relative risk of developing KD was significantly elevated in first-degree relatives. There was a significant correlation between alcohol, glucocorticoid, and tobacco use and a history of diabetes, and the diagnosis of KD.

CONCLUSIONS

Familial clustering of KD observed in the Utah Population Database cohort indicates a potential genetic contribution to the etiology of the disease. Identification of causal gene variants in these high-risk families may provide insight into the genes and pathways that contribute to the onset and progression of KD.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study suggests that there is a potential genetic contribution to the etiology of KD and that the disease has a significant association with several risk factors.

Increased perfusion in dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MRI correlates with areas of bone repair and of bone necrosis in patients with Kienböck's disease

BACKGROUND

Osteonecrosis of the lunate, Kienböck's disease, can lead to fragmentation of the lunate, carpal collapse, and severe osteoarthritis. Since the etiology of Kienböck's disease is impaired circulation, a diagnostic method capable of assessing perfusion would be valuable. Recent studies have suggested that dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MR examinations at 3 T can assess perfusion in healthy carpal bones.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the use of DCE-MR for assessing perfusion in the lunate bone in patients with Kienböck's disease. Furthermore, to compare perfusion with histopathology with a focus on bone viability.

STUDY TYPE

Prospective case-control study.

POPULATION

Fourteen patients with Kienböck's disease and a control group of 19 healthy subjects. Field Strength: 3 T with T₁ -weighted fat-saturated contrast-enhanced gradient echo series.

ASSESSMENT

Features of the enhancement curves from the DCE-MR examinations, time to peak (TTP), maximum slope (MS), and maximum enhancement (ME) assessed by a radiologist. Six of 14 patients were surgerized with lunate excision, allowing comparison between features of the enhancement curves and histopathology.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Mann-Whitney U-test. P < 0.05 was considered a statistically significant difference.

RESULTS

Patients with Kienböck's disease showed significantly higher and faster perfusion parameters compared with the control group, the mean value of the TTP in patients was 126.73 sec, in controls 189.79 sec (P = 0.024), ME in patients 173.55 AU, in controls 28.46 AU (P < 0.001), and MS in patients 5.04 AU, in controls 1.06 AU (P < 0.001). When compared with histopathology, increased perfusion was seen in areas of bone formation but also in necrosis. Areas of normal bone showed low perfusion.

DATA CONCLUSION

DCE-MRI at 3 T can diagnose altered perfusion in patients with Kienböck's disease. Increased perfusion cannot definitely be used as a marker of bone viability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:481-489.

Wrist Swelling in Kienböck's Disease

Background and Purpose  Wrist swelling is a frequent clinical manifestation of Kienböck's disease, but no study has reported the site and pathology of wrist swelling in this disease. The aim of this study is to elucidate the site and pathology of wrist swelling in Kienböck's disease. Materials and Methods  Dorsal and palmar soft tissue thicknesses of the wrist were measured on standard lateral radiographs of the wrist in 26 patients with Kienböck's disease and 30 subjects without intra-articular lesion. Axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) views were examined to detect the site of swelling. The dorsal capsular ligament in three patients with Kienböck's disease underwent histological examination. Results  Radiographic study confirmed dorsal wrist swelling in 24 of 26 (92%) patients examined compared with the contralateral unaffected wrists. MRI demonstrated thickening of the dorsal capsular ligament and extensor layer with synovial proliferation. Histological examination revealed nonspecific chronic inflammation. Conclusion  Dorsal wrist swelling in Kienböck's disease is a common manifestation and constitutes a part of pathology of Kienböck's disease, although further study is required to clarify the relation between wrist swelling and etiology of Kienböck's disease. Level of Evidence  This is a Level III study.

Kienböck's disease: Role of cross-sectional imaging in treatment choice and patient follow-up

The management of Kienböck's disease is complex and constantly evolving in parallel with progress in the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of this condition. Cross-sectional imaging techniques have an essential role in the diagnosis and prognostic assessment of this disease. CT allows the optimal study of the morpho-structure of lunate bone. MRI makes it possible to study bone marrow viability. As for CT arthrography, it allows to evaluate accurately articular cartilage of the different carpal joints. The evaluation of these different aspects of Kienböck's disease is essential for optimal treatment selection. Cross-sectional imaging also has an interest in post-treatment follow-up, by having a prognostic value and allowing the identification of post-operative complications. The purpose of this article is to review the contribution of cross-sectional imaging in the assessment of Kienböck's disease before and after treatment according to the most common surgical procedures. Pathophysiological mechanisms, predisposing factors, the different classifications and their interests will be discussed.