The hemi-hamate autograft arthroplasty in proximal interphalangeal joint reconstruction: a systematic review

Palmar lip injuries of the proximal interphalangeal joint with dorsal fracture-dislocation are difficult to treat and often require major reconstruction. A systematic review was performed and yielded 177 articles. Thirteen articles on hemi-hamate autograft were included in full-text analysis. Results of 71 cases were summarized. Mean follow-up was 36 months and mean proximal interphalangeal joint range of motion was 77°. Overall complication rate was around 35%. Up to 50% of the patients showed radiographic signs of osteoarthritis. However, few of those patients complained about pain or impaired finger motion. Based on this systematic analysis and review, hemi-hamate autograft can be considered reliable for the reconstruction of acute and chronic proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocations with joint involvement >50%, but longer-term follow-up studies are required to evaluate its outcome, especially regarding the rate of osteoarthritis.