Purpose
We examined morphologic similarities of the medial lateral femoral trochlea (MFT)
and lateral femoral trochlea (LFT) osteochondral flaps for reconstruction of the proximal
capitate.
Methods
Magnetic resonance imaging scans of the wrists and ipsilateral knees of 10 young healthy
volunteers were obtained. Three morphologic parameters were investigated, comparing
the MFT and LFT harvest sites to the capitate proximal pole. The correspondingly relevant
surgical planes were compared. The coronal plane radius of curvature (ROC) of the
capitate was compared with the sagittal planes of the MFT and LFT. The sagittal plane
ROC of the capitate was compared to the axial planes of the MFT and LFT. The angular
relationship between the dorsal cortical surface of the capitate and the proximal
pole cartilage (proximal dorsal capitate pitch) was compared to the corresponding
angles between the cortical bone and convex cartilage on the LFT and MFT.
Results
The average ratios of ROC for the coronal planes of the capitate to the MFT (0.61)
and LFT (0.58) were similar. The average ratios of ROC for the sagittal planes of
the capitate to the MFT (0.57) and LFT (0.86) were also similar. The proximal dorsal
capitate pitch demonstrated greater similarity to the corresponding shape of the LFT
(angular ratio, 1.01) than to that of the MFT (angular ratio, 0.74).
Conclusions
The LFT and MFT demonstrate similar congruity to the proximal capitate in the sagittal
and coronal planes of the wrist. The LFT dorsal pitch closely approximates the relationship
of the proximal capitate pole to its dorsal cortical surface.
Clinical relevance
In capitate fracture, fracture nonunion, or avascular necrosis, both the MFT and LFT
demonstrate similarity to the proximal convex capitate morphology. The relationship
between the cortical and chondral surfaces of the LFT is morphologically very similar
to that of the proximal capitate.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 21, 2022
Accepted:
April 13,
2022
Received:
September 7,
2021
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 2023 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.
