Other Hand and Wrist Conditions
(Avascular Necrosis and Ganglions of the Wrist)

This section covers conditions that do not fall under Bone, Tendon, Ligament or Nerve damage yet they are just as important and may even be caused or be the cause of some issue relating to the aforementioned list.

Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a condition where bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. Bones are living tissue, and they require a steady blood supply to provide oxygen and nutrients to the bone cells. When the blood supply to a bone is disrupted, the bone tissue begins to die, and over time the bone may collapse or become deformed.

Avascular necrosis can occur in any bone, but it is most common in the hip, knee, shoulder, and ankle. Some of the common causes of AVN include trauma, long-term use of steroids, excessive alcohol consumption, radiation therapy, and certain medical conditions such as sickle cell disease and lupus.

The symptoms of AVN depend on the location and severity of the condition, but they typically include pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the affected joint. Treatment options for AVN depend on the stage and location of the disease, but they may include medication, physical therapy, surgery, or joint replacement.

Common types of AVN in the wrist include:

Kienböck’s Disease: Kienböck’s disease is a condition that affects one of the small bones in the wrist, called the lunate. It is a type of avascular necrosis, which means that the blood supply to the bone is disrupted, leading to bone death and eventual collapse of the bone. The exact cause of Kienböck’s disease is not fully understood, but it may be related to trauma or repetitive stress on the wrist, or it may be due to an abnormality in the blood vessels that supply the lunate bone.

Preiser’s Disease: Preiser’s disease is a condition that affects the scaphoid bone in the wrist, which is a small bone located near the base of the thumb. It is a type of avascular necrosis, which means that the blood supply to the bone is disrupted, leading to bone death and eventual collapse of the bone. The exact cause of Preiser’s disease is not fully understood, but it may be related to trauma or repetitive stress on the wrist, or it may be due to an abnormality in the blood vessels that supply the scaphoid bone.

Ganglions of the Wrist

Ganglions of the wrist fall under the category of soft tissue masses or tumors. A ganglion cyst is a benign (non-cancerous) lump that forms on the wrist or hand, typically near a joint or tendon. It is filled with fluid and can vary in size. Ganglions are the most common type of soft tissue tumor of the hand and wrist, and while they are usually not painful, they can cause discomfort or limit mobility depending on their location. Treatment options for ganglion cysts include observation, aspiration (draining the fluid with a needle), and surgical removal.