The Effect of Proximal Hamate Osteotomy on Carpal Kinematics for Reconstruction of Proximal Pole Scaphoid Nonunion With Avascular Necrosis.

Background

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of proximal hamate transfer for proximal pole scaphoid reconstruction upon carpal kinematics.

Methods

Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric wrists underwent evaluation of their radiocarpal and midcarpal motion after proximal hamate osteotomy. A wrist simulator was used to apply cyclical tension to the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), flexor carpi radialis (FCR), extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU), and extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis stitched together (ECR). Kinematic motion was captured using Moiré Phase Tracking 3-dimensional motion-tracking sensors (MPT, Metria Innovation, Inc, Milwaukee, Wisconsin) to evaluate the lunocapitate and scapholunate angles for each condition.

Results

During wrist flexion-extension and radial-ulnar deviation, there were no statistically significant differences about the lunocapitate or scapholunate axis between the intact and post-hamate osteotomy conditions.

Conclusions

The harvest of the proximal hamate for proximal pole scaphoid reconstruction does not appear to adversely affect wrist kinematics.