Why is Kienbock’s disease named by stage?

Kienbock’s disease has four distinct stages; it’s important for doctors to distinguish between the different stages because of the differences in treatment.

Stage 1 – this stage may be when you think you have sprained your wrist. It’s painful, maybe a bit swollen

Stage 2 – if the bones were examined by x-ray, you would be able to see where the bone tissue is dying. The wrist may be more painful, swollen, and tender

Stage 3 – the bone may begin to break apart, causing more pain and making it difficult to move the wrist

Stage 4 – the adjoining bones are affected