Can you recommend a Doctor?

Perhaps. Try asking on the Kienbock Mailing list.

Are you aware of any web sites that identify the cause of Kienbock?

The cause for Kienbock at this time is still unknown. There are some theories but none of which can be applied to all cases. So to answer your question, no there isn't any site that deals with the cause, since this isn't known. Also at this time there is no real cure for Kienbock. There are treatments that can help to slow the progression and help with the pain. But again not all of these "cures" work for all Kienbock sufferers.

Can severe trauma cause an injury similar to Kienbock or can Kienbock be caused from a trauma?

Yes it can. The majority of people with Kienbock have it in their dominate hand. While there is no real known cause for the disease it is believed that the overuse of the dominate hand can lead to the progression of the disease. In some case there is 2 possibilities. One, the trauma from the injury caused the disease. Or two, they were prone to Kienbock and it would have set on progressively but the injury exacerbated the problem and caused the disease to progress. Most case studies I am familiar with would support the later explanation, where they would have most likely developed Kienbock Disease but the injury sped thing along.

Do you know where more info can be obtained on Kienbock Disease?

Actually Kienbock is such a rare disease that not much info is available. My Kienbock site is considered to be one of the largest resources on the net. I have a lot of on site info along with a lot of outside links.

Can you get Kienbock in you non-dominate hand?

About 20% of Kienbock patients have Kienbock in the non-dominate hand.

After surgery, does the problem seem to heal or does it seem to recur?

Most Kienbock sufferers seem to have ongoing problems. I have had continuing problems even after 8 years. I have Kienbock in both hands. About half the folks on the mailing list are long term sufferers who have had series of surgeries. The real problem is not only do they not know what causes Kienbock Disease but there is no cure for it either. Todays "cure" is tomorrows failure.

How long I will need before i can bowl again?

I use to bowl quite a bit. In fact when bowling was one of the first times that my wrist began to hurt. I had to stop bowling and never have been able to since (that was 8 years ago). From my experience and hearing those of other over the past 2 years, it is best to leave such high impact activities alone. Your wrist is damaged and the chances of it ever fully recovering isn't good. My advice is to find another lower wrist impact activity. After some time your wrist might feel up to bowling, but is it really worth the potential damage that can be caused?

How long will it take to get full range of motion back in my wrist?

That varies depending on how extensive the damage is and what "cure" they decided to try on you. I myself have never gotten full range of motion back. I wonder if anyone else ever has.

Can you offer any Pre-Op advice?

• One thing that really works neat is a bag of frozen peas - it molds around the wrist really well and doesn't leak.
  
• A body pillow works great, you can fold it in half to elevate the arm in bed without it sliding around.
  
• If the operation is on your dominant hand sign a few checks before hand.
  
• Paper plates and disposable flatware/cups cut down on the mess.
  
• Ask for medication in screw top bottles, much easier to open, just be very careful if there are small children around.
  
• If you are married plan to sleep in another room for a few days, this way you won't ruin her/his sleep.
  
• A couple of pieces of two by four screwed to your recliner/chair legs will raise it enough to help getting in and out, this applies if you have bone taken from the hip.
  
• Bib overalls are easy to put on with one hand, and make a fashion statement too!
  
• Velcro closing or slip on shoes are a must.
  
• Guys, buy a fanny pack, this is much easier to deal with than pants pockets.
  
• Reversing your mouse buttons helps if you have surgery on your dominant hand, look in control panel\mouse.
  
• Buy lots of bag ice before surgery.
  
• If you can find them the disposable ice bags with ties on them work much better than zip lock bags
  
• Add a little water to the ice bag, it will help conduct heat away faster and conforms to the dressing better.
  
• Save those bread bags, they slip great over a cast and then you can shower without worring about getting the cast wet. Make sure it doesn't have any leaks first. A big rubber band around the top of the bag while its on ensures no water will run down into it, but make sure its not too tight!

What other advice can you offer?

Looking for a little advice check out Lydia's Kienbock Advice Page

Is there a Kienbock Support Group?

Yes! There is a Kienbock Disease mailing list. We hope to do a few things with this mailing list. One is to help exchange information. Two is to serve as support for those who suffer from this disease. There are over 100 people subscribed to the mailing list.

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If you have any questions or want to contribute anything to the Kienbock Disease Information Center please email me: Angela Byers, Webmaster

Copyright © 1997 - 2002 Angela Byers
Last Update:October 15, 2002