Living with Morbus Kienboeck
A wrist condition in which one small bone slowly breaks down from poor blood supply, causing pain and weak grip.
Understanding Morbus Kienboeck
This process is called osteonecrosis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, limited movement, and decreased grip strength. Symptoms usually start in adulthood but can occur at any age. Diagnosis is made by imaging studies.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Wrist pain
- Swelling
- Limited joint movement
- Decreased grip strength
- Bone death from low blood supply (avascular necrosis)
- Arthritis in the wrist
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists and bone and joint specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists); Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the underlying cause of Kienbock's disease is unknown.
Also known as: aseptic necrosis of the lunate bone; bilateral kienbock's disease; keinbock disease; keinbock's disease; kienbock disease; kienboeck's disease
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Morbus Kienboeck.
Explore research for Morbus Kienboeck
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