Evaluation of Articular Surface Similarity of Hemi-Hamate Grafts and Proximal Middle Phalanx Morphology: A 3-Dimensional Geometric Morphometric Approach

Abstract

There is no financial information to disclose. The aim of this study was to use a quantitative anatomical approach that investigates 3-dimensional (3D) shape to compare the dorsal distal hamate and the volar middle phalanx (MP) base, which is of interest in hemi-hamate arthroplasty (HHA). We tested the null hypothesis that the shapes of their articular surfaces are congruent. 3D virtual renderings were created from laser scans of the articular surfaces of the dorsal distal hamate and the volar MP bases of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers from skeletonized hands of 25 cadaveric individuals. 3D landmarks were obtained from the articular surfaces of each bone and subjected to established geometric morphometric analytical approaches to quantify shape. For each individual, bone shapes were evaluated for congruency and covariation using 2-block partial least squares and principal component analyses. No statistically significant covariation was found between the dorsal distal hamate and the volar MP bases of the, ring, or little digits. While the volar MP bases demonstrated relative morphologic uniformity among the 4 digits both within and between individuals, the dorsal distal hamates exhibited notable variation in articular surface shape. •Although there is early- to mid-term clinical success of HHA, there is no statistically significant congruity between the articular surfaces of the dorsal distal hamate and the volar MP base.•In addition, there is wide variation in the articular morphology of the hamate among individuals, which may or may not influence the clinical outcomes of HHA.•It is important for hand surgeons to consider this articular morphology variation while performing HHA, as different techniques may be needed for different individuals while contouring and implanting the osteochondral graft.