ObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term effectiveness of lunate excision and vascularized capitate osteotomy transposition for advanced Kienböck's disease. MethodsBetween June 2004 and January 2008,16 patients with Kienböck disease in Lichtman stages ⅢB-IV were treated with lunate excision and vascularized capitate osteotomy transposition.There were 10 males and 6 females at the age of 27-59 years (mean,38.8 years).The disease was caused by trauma in 10 cases,and unknown reason in 6 cases.The main clinical symptoms were pain and limited activity of the wrist joint,and the disease duration was 5-32 months (mean,26.5 months).The carpal height index was 0.88±0.05; the radioscaphoid angle was (63.8±9.1)°.The visual analogue scale (VAS) score,range of motion (ROM),grip strength,Evans score,and radiographic changes were used to assess the effectiveness during follow-up. ResultsAll patients obtained healing of incision by first intention and were followed up 5 years and 4 months to 9 years (mean,5.8 years).VAS score was 2.0±1.5 at the final follow-up.The ROM of the flexion and extension of the wrist joint at the affected side were significantly less than those at the normal side (P<0.05).However,no significant difference was found in the grip strength and Evans score between the affected side and normal side (t=-0.997,P=0.327; t=-1.852,P=0.077).Postoperative radiographs showed that the carpal height index was 0.94±0.03,and the radioscaphoid angle was (48.4±4.8)°,which were improved significantly when compared with preoperative ones (t=-3.927,P=0.000; t=5.987,P=0.000).Osteophyte at the dorsal side of the radius and scaphoid rotation occurred in 6 cases and 2 cases,respectively. ConclusionLunate excision and vascularized capitate osteotomy transposition is a reliable method for advanced Kienböck's disease,with favorable improvement in wrist pain and grip strength for long-term follow-up.