Kienböck’s disease
If wrist pain and stiffness aren’t settling, Kienböck’s disease could be one possible cause.
Specialist wrist care
Experienced assessment
See a hand and wrist specialist experienced in complex wrist problems.
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Your scans explained
We'll talk you through what happens next and decide next steps together.
Care built around you
A plan that fits
Your treatment will reflect how the condition affects your wrist and daily life.
What is Kienböck’s disease?
Kienböck’s disease affects the lunate, one of the small bones in the centre of your wrist. It develops when the lunate doesn’t receive enough blood, which can damage the bone and cause some of it to die (osteonecrosis). Over time, the lunate may weaken or collapse, changing how the wrist moves. This can eventually lead to wear-and-tear (osteoarthritis). The condition is usually described in four stages: Stage 1 – blood flow is reduced, but an X-ray may still look normal. An MRI scan can show earlier changes Stage 2 – the lunate becomes denser and harder because of the reduced blood supply Stage 3 – the bone starts to collapse or break into smaller pieces, which can affect nearby wrist bones Stage 4 – arthritis develops as the joints around the lunate become damaged Kienböck’s disease doesn’t progress at the same rate for everyone.
What causes Kienböck’s disease?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood. Factors that may affect blood flow or put more pressure on the lunate include:
- Having fewer blood vessels supplying the lunate than usual
- A difference in length between the two forearm bones (the radius and the ulna)
- A previous wrist injury that affects the blood supply
- Repeated heavy pressure through the wrist during certain activities
What are the symptoms of Kienböck’s disease?
At first, symptoms may resemble a wrist sprain. You may notice:
- Wrist pain, particularly when using your hand
- Swelling or tenderness around the centre of the wrist
- Reduced movement
- A weaker grip
Symptoms may become more noticeable as the condition progresses.
How is Kienböck’s disease diagnosed?
Your specialist will ask about your symptoms and examine your wrist. An X-ray can show changes to the lunate, although early Kienböck’s disease may not be visible.
An MRI scan can identify earlier bone changes. A CT scan may sometimes be used to look at the bone in more detail.
How is Kienböck’s disease treated?
Not everyone needs surgery. Your specialist will recommend treatment based on how far the condition has progressed and how much it’s affecting you.
Treatment routes for Kienböck’s disease
Treatment aims to ease pain and help you keep wrist movement as comfortable as possible.
In the early stages, your specialist may recommend a splint or cast to reduce pressure on the lunate. Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen may also help with pain and swelling if they’re suitable for you.
Follow-up scans can check for further changes.
Recovery goals after Kienböck’s disease treatment
Phase 1 goals:
Protect your wrist and follow the care instructions you’ve been given Keep your fingers moving if your care team has asked you to
Phase 2 goals:
Attend follow-up appointments so healing can be checked Start any hand therapy exercises at the time you’ve been advised
Phase 3 goals:
Carefully increase how much you use your hand as healing allows Gradually rebuild movement and strength as advised
Working with Hand and Wrist professionals and teams
Our hand and wrist specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their hands and wrists. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Hand and Wrist treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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