Pyrocarbon arthroplasty for kienböck’s disease

Abstract

Currently, there is no satisfactory treatment for Kienböck’s disease that provides excellent long-term results, in the context of macroscopic collapse of the lunate. Surgeons and scientists have been exploring multiple potential avenues of treatment with varying degrees of success over the decades. These have included the use of pyrolytic carbon (pyrocarbon) implants. Pyrocarbon has many theoretical advantages over other materials when used in arthroplasty, which have been demonstrated in a laboratory setting. Clinically, it has been used in most joints of the upper limb, usually with convincing measures of success. However, the use of pyrocarbon implants in Kienböck’s disease is relatively new and not commonly practised. Over time it may be used more routinely, once the long-term effectiveness has been investigated. This chapter provides a brief insight into pyrocarbon, it’s material properties, history of use and up to date evidence for pyrocarbon arthroplasty in Kienböck’s disease.