Varisized 3D‐Printed Lunate for Kienböck's Disease in Different Stages: Preliminary Results

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of arthroplasty with varisized three‐dimensional(3D) printing lunate prosthesis for the treatment of advanced Kienböck's disease (KD). METHODS: From 2016 November to 2018 September, a retrospective study was performed for the patients of KD in our hospital. Five patients (two males, three females) were included in this study. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 51.6 years (range, 37–64 years). Varisized prosthesis identical to the live model in a ratio of 1:0.85, 1:1, and 1:1.1 were fabricated by 3D printing. All patients (one in Lichtman IIIA stage, two in Lichtman IIIB stage, one in Lichtman IIIC stage, and one in Lichtman IV stage) were treated with lunate excision and 3D printing prosthetic arthroplasty. Visual analog scale score (VAS), the active movement of wrist (extension, flexion) and strength were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. The Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score, and patient's satisfaction were evaluated during the follow‐up. RESULTS: Prosthesis identical to the live model in a ratio of 1:0.85 or 1:1 were chosen for arthroplasty. The mean operation time (range, 45 to 56 min) was 51.8 ± 4.44 min. Follow‐up time ranged from 11 months to 33 months with the mean value of 19.4 months. The mean extension range of the wrist significantly increased from preoperative 44° ± 9.6° to postoperative 60° ± 3.5° (P < 0.05). The mean flexion range of the wrist significantly increased from preoperative 40° ± 10.6° to postoperative 51° ± 6.5° (P < 0.05). The active movement of wrist and strength were improved significantly in all patients. VAS was significantly reduced from 7.3 preoperatively to 0.2 at the follow‐up visit (P < 0.05). The mean DASH score was 10 (range, 7.2–14.2), and the mean MMWS was 79 (range, 70–90). There were no incision infection. All patients were satisfied with the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: For patients suffering advanced Kienböck's disease, lunate excision followed by 3D printing prosthetic arthroplasty can reconstruct the anatomical structure of the carpal tunnel, alleviate pain, and improve wrist movement.