KIENBOECK UNIT Meaning and
Definition
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A Kienboeck unit refers to a specific system or unit of measurement developed to assess the severity and progression of Kienboeck's disease, a rare condition characterized by avascular necrosis of the lunate bone in the wrist. This unit serves as a standardized way of quantifying the degree of lunate involvement and aids in the diagnosis and management of the disease.
In Kienboeck's disease, blood supply to the lunate bone is disrupted, leading to its degeneration and eventual collapse. The Kienboeck unit is used to evaluate the stage of this degenerative process by measuring the height of the lunate relative to the surrounding bones in the wrist joint. The unit is typically measured on X-ray images or other imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The Kienboeck unit scale ranges from 0 to 4, representing different stages of lunate involvement, with 0 indicating a normal lunate and 4 indicating complete collapse. The unit helps physicians determine the appropriate treatment approach for patients with Kienboeck's disease, as more advanced stages may require surgical interventions, such as bone grafting or joint fusion.
Overall, the Kienboeck unit provides a standardized method for assessing the progression and severity of Kienboeck's disease, facilitating effective communication between healthcare professionals and guiding appropriate treatment decisions to optimize patient outcomes.
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• A unit of x-ray measurement (abbreviation X), equal to 1/10 erythema dose.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for KIENBOECK UNIT
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Etymology of KIENBOECK UNIT
The word "Kienboeck unit" is named after Robert Kienböck, an Austrian radiologist who first identified and described a condition known as avascular necrosis of the lunate bone in the wrist. The term "Kienboeck unit" was later coined to refer to the specific area on an x-ray or imaging study that corresponds to the lunate bone's central ridge.
