(Meanwhile the guideline of the DGH adopted under the coordination of Prof. Dr. med. Margot C. Wüstner from Ulm. Date of creation June 1999 and last revision before adoption June 2001 Simplified "translation" by me into lay German - as you can see from the "technical jargon". Would you have understood that too? - good doctors explain the issues to patients well :-))
The guideline here should be read carefully, as overlaps are mentioned in each case. Otherwise it is possible that one regards a surgical method as not possible, although it would actually belong to it.
Pressure relief of the lunate bone to improve blood flow and stability.
Immobilization in a circular forearm cast for at least 6 weeks only makes sense in stages I and II. (Circular forearm plaster cast means breathable and therefore better for the skin -> if you have already been wearing a plaster cast for 4 weeks, you will know why ...)
If the launate malacia is still in its infancy, the moonbone can be protected from further destruction with the help of a plaster splint or a support bandage that can be obtained in a medical supply store on the doctor's prescription. Unfortunately, this method usually doesn't work.
Forms of electrotherapy such as the tens device can be used. The pain is often more bearable while the power is on.
The following should also be mentioned:
- Physiotherapy, osteopathy, sometimes also occupational therapy ... (keywords: acupressure, holistic treatment)
- acupuncture - food supplements - autologous blood treatment (so far no evidence of effects on LM) - healing earth - heat treatments
- leech treatment ... (may be added)
Diet changes depending on the blood value constellation.
So far, these have only achieved success with differentials. However, it is not easy to first ask yourself completely what you are actually eating.
If you intend to change your diet, you should start with a food diary. Here it is noted what and in what quantities you actually eat throughout the day. Then you take a closer look at content such as cholesterol, carbohydrates, sugar and other components and slowly start to change little things. E.g. less sugar and fats. Only then keep changing over and creeping into the day so that the changeover succeeds.
If the previous method is no longer possible (because of the stage) or the first method did not help, the following methods come into play:
Level operations (radius shortening = ulna is shortened or ulnar lengthening = spoke is lengthened), with ulnar nerve variant from wedge osteotomy of the distal radius (this corresponds to a small bone chip that is removed from the radius) with one type of operation - this depends entirely on the respective stage of the lunate malacia from - the spoke is shortened in such a way that the proportions of ulna and spoke are equal again and thus balanced. Here, the spoke is sawn into pieces, a piece removed from it and the front piece of the bone fastened again with the help of a metal plate or a long thin metal rod and possibly screws. This surgical method is often done when the patient's ulna is shorter than the radius (a so-called minus variant of the ulna).
The sole leveling operation with or without denervation can be carried out on an outpatient basis in individual cases. All other interventions are to be carried out under inpatient conditions.
Aftercare
Immobilization in a forearm cast from 10 days to 8 weeks, depending on the surgical method. Active movement exercises without strain after lifting the immobilization. If the lunate is preserved, avoid excessive stress (impact, shock, shaking, vibration) for 3 to 6 months.
Therapy control through clinical and X-ray examination. If the moon bone is preserved: additional MRI.