Hemi-Hamate Arthroplasty Provides Functional Reconstruction of Acute and Chronic Proximal Interphalangeal Fracture–Dislocations

PurposeHemi-hamate resurfacing arthroplasty is a treatment alternative for the management of severe acute and chronic dorsal proximal interphalangeal (PIP) fracture–dislocations. This study was designed to determine whether this procedure would successfully restore function after such injuries.MethodsHemi-hamate reconstructions were performed on 33 patients (mean age, 34 years) who presented to 1 hand surgery practice with dorsal PIP fracture–dislocations. Eligible patients experienced unstable dislocations with comminuted metaphyseal fractures involving at least 50% of the volar middle phalangeal surface that was not amenable to open reduction and internal fixation. We evaluated 22 patients with 14 acute (<6 weeks) and 8 chronic (mean, 30 weeks) injuries at a mean of 4.5 years (range, 1–7 years). Functional outcomes were assessed by objective and subjective measures: joint alignment/motion/stability, grip strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores, and visual analog scales (VAS) of pain and function.ResultsAfter hemi-hamate reconstruction, active PIP motion averaged 70° (acute 71°, chronic 69°) with a mean flexion contracture of 19° (range, 0° to 80°). Active distal interphalangeal motion averaged 54° (acute 56°, chronic 51°). The mean VAS score for digit pain was 1.4 (acute 0.7, chronic 2.5). The mean DASH score of 5 (acute 2, chronic 9) and VAS functional score of 1.9 (acute 1.4, chronic 2.6) indicated little functional impairment (acute 2, chronic 9). Grip strength averaged 95% of the opposite hand. Mean coronal plane angulation at the PIP joint was 3°. Ten patients reported aching with cold temperatures. One dissatisfied patient underwent revision surgery. Chronic reconstructions were associated with increased VAS pain ratings (p = .02) and higher DASH scores (p = .06).ConclusionsHemi-hamate reconstruction represents a valuable surgical procedure to address severe PIP joint fracture–dislocations. Reconstruction of chronic injuries by this method restores PIP function, albeit with more modest outcome performance.Type of study/level of evidenceTherapeutic IV.