Commentary on “Biomechanical Characteristics of Hemi-Hamate Reconstruction Versus Volar Plate Arthroplasty in the Treatment of Dorsal Fracture Dislocations of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint”

Abstract

This paper1 compares the biomechanical characteristics of volar plate arthroplasty and hemi-hamate reconstruction. These 2 management paradigms represent the old and new when it comes to reconstruction at the proximal interphalangeal joint. Both methods treat the defect left by the often-irreparable portion of the volar lip of the middle phalanx by discarding the comminuted fragments. Volar plate arthroplasty fixes the volar plate into the defect, whereas hemi-hamate reconstruction uses a portion of hamate as a graft.