Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42662843›Full record

ReviewOrthopedic research and reviews2026

Revascularizing the Lunate: Modern Perspectives on Vascularized Bone Grafting in Kienböck's Disease.

Rita Saad, Hadi Saada, Johnny Saadeh, Antoine Saber, Christopher Aramouni, Elyssa Kiwan, Wendy Ghanem, Mohamad Badra, Ramzi Moucharafieh

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Orthopedic research and reviews, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Rita Saad *Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon.
Hadi Saada *Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon.ORCID 0009-0008-2497-771X
Johnny Saadeh *Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon.ORCID 0009-0006-2455-2709
Antoine Saber *Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon.ORCID 0009-0007-2823-7519
Christopher Aramouni *Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Elyssa Kiwan *Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon.ORCID 0009-0005-6644-0572
Wendy Ghanem *Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon.ORCID 0009-0009-5695-8748
Mohamad Badra *Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon.
Ramzi Moucharafieh *Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Kienböck's disease is a progressive condition characterized by avascular necrosis of the lunate, leading to carpal collapse, chronic pain, and functional impairment if left untreated. Management remains challenging due to variability in disease presentation and the absence of standardized treatment algorithms, particularly regarding surgical options. Among these, vascularized bone grafts (VBGs) have gained increasing attention for their ability to restore blood supply, promote osteogenesis, and preserve carpal architecture. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the anatomical basis, indications, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes of pedicled versus free VBGs in the management of Kienböck's disease. Pedicled grafts, commonly harvested from the distal radius or adjacent carpal structures, maintain their native vascular supply and offer a technically less demanding option with lower morbidity, making them suitable for early to mid-stage disease (Lichtman II-IIIA). In contrast, free vascularized grafts, such as those from the iliac crest or lateral femoral condyle, require microsurgical anastomosis but provide greater structural support and flexibility, particularly in advanced stages or revision cases. Clinical evidence from predominantly retrospective studies suggests that both techniques yield significant improvements in pain, grip strength, and functional outcomes, with variable radiographic progression. However, the literature is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity in study design, and lack of direct comparative trials. As a result, no clear consensus exists regarding the superiority of one technique over the other. Current decision-making is largely guided by disease stage, anatomical considerations, and surgical expertise. Further high-quality, prospective comparative studies are needed to establish evidence-based guidelines and optimize treatment strategies for patients with Kienböck's disease.

Indexed as

bone grafting outcomesKienböck’s diseaseLichtman classificationlunate avascular necrosisvascularized bone graftwrist reconstruction

Identifiers

PMID42662843
PMCPMC13520957

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.