Evaluation of hamate bone structure with microcomputerized tomography (micro-CT) method

Hamate is a wedge shaped carpal bone which is narrow at its proximal side and wide at distal part. Dorsal and palmar surfaces are roughened by ligament attachments on these surfaces. Hamate bone could easily be distinguished from other carpal bones via its so called hamulus process which extends from distal part of the bone through its anterior. There have been very few Micro-CT studies in the literature related with hamate bone while some exist regarding its fractures, avascular necrosis and osteoblastoma. With its high resolution (9-15 micrometers) Micro-CT is becoming a widely used method which reveals fine structure of bone in addition to various tissues. The aim of this thesis study is to elucidate the bone structure of hamate by using Micro-CT method. 55 hamate bones which have structural integrity and no deformity are included in this study. In our study tissue volume, bone volume, percent bone volume (bone volume/tissue volume), bone surface, bone surface/volume ratio, trabecular number, trabecular thickness, trabecular seperation, structure model index and degree of anisotropy were evaluated with MicroCT method. By the results of our detailed measurements we intended to contribute hamate bone related surgical operations of the wrist. Key words: Wrist, Carpal bones, Hamate bone, Micro-CT, Morphometry