Epidemiology and Clinical Implications of Scaphoid Morphology Based on Morsy Classification

A recent anatomical study in 2019 introduced a classification system of scaphoid morphology, characterizing dimensions, vascular patterns, and locations of nutrient vessels. This article aims to determine the prevalence of these scaphoid types in the general population.

A retrospective, single-center study was performed. Patients who underwent wrist imaging via 4-view wrist x-rays from January to December 2022 were included. Exclusion criteria included patients with acute scaphoid fracture or pathology. Anatomic scaphoid measurements were performed for each radiograph. Chi-squared tests and unpaired t tests were used for categorical variables and quantitative variables, respectively. Statistical significance was noted for P values <.05.

Three hundred sixty-three x-rays from 345 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 291 type I patients (80.2%) and 72 type II patients (19.8%). Patients with type II scaphoids were significantly more likely to be left handed (P < .05); otherwise, there were no demographic differences between type I and II patients.

Type I scaphoids are more prevalent in the general population, 80% in this study. No clinically significant demographic or patient factor differences were found between patients with type I and II scaphoids. Future studies are warranted to determine the clinical impact of type II scaphoids and the development of scaphoid-related pathology (avascular necrosis, fractures, nonunions, etc).

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