Bone Necrosis of the Hand

The bone necrosis of the hand is a common disease of the bone-cartilage complex. In principle, every bone of the hand can be affected. Compared to other osteonecroses of the hand the necrosis of the lunate occurs most frequently. Other diseases such as osteonecrosis of the Os scaphoideums (Morbus Preiser) are much rarer. Unfrequent diseases such as osteonecrosis of the metacarpal heads or all carpal bones are restricted to case descriptions. The lunate osteonecrosis leads to osteoarthritis of the wrist if untreated. A detailed clinical examination and adequate radiological diagnosis are essential. The lunate osteonecrosis is classified according to Lichtman and Ross based on radiographs. The treatment is being executed either conservatively or surgically, depending on the stage. In surgical treatment pressure relieving and revascularization procedures and rescue operations have been established. For all other osteonecroses of the hand no standardized therapy can be assigned because sufficient data are not available. Generally, the treatment for bone necroses of the hand should be found for each patient individually.