Joint Hyperlaxity and Volar Plate Dynamics: MRI-Based Comparative Evaluation of the PIP Joint

NCT07082075 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: KA22/286
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 32
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Background: The volar plate (VP) is a key stabilizer of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ), and its biomechanical behavior may be altered in individuals with joint hypermobility. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the spatial dynamics of the VP and its relationship with the center of joint motion and flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon in individuals with and without joint hyperlaxity using MRI. Methods: Thirty-two healthy volunteers (16 hyperlax, 16 controls) underwent MRI imaging of both index fingers at five flexion angles (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, full flexion) and under passive and isometric loading conditions. Key parameters measured included distances from the joint center to VP attachments, VP-FDP tendon distance, and the length between VP ends.

Conditions

Hypermobility, Joint

Keywords

volar plate; hypermobility; biomechanics

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• The Distance Between the Center of Motion (CoM) and the VPLip and VPTip

  The distances between the center of motion (CoM) and the volar lip of the middle phalanx base (VPLip), and between the CoM and the proximal end of the volar plate at its attachment to the volar base of the proximal phalanx (VPTip), were measured using RadiAnt DICOM Viewer software (version 2024.1) in various PIPJ angles.

  baseline

• The Distance Between VPLip and VPTip

  The distance between the volar lip of the middle phalanx base (VPLip), and the proximal end of the volar plate at its attachment to the volar base of the proximal phalanx (VPTip) measured using RadiAnt DICOM Viewer software (version 2024.1) in various PIPJ angles. The purpose of this measurement was to observe how the distance between the two ends of the volar plate changes with varying joint angles.

  baseline

• The Distance Between Volar Plate (VP) and FDP Tendon

  The distance between the midpoint of the volar plate (VP) and the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon was measured using RadiAnt DICOM Viewer software (version 2024.1) at various proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) angles. The purpose of this measurement was to observe how this distance changes across different flexion angles.

  baseline

• Changes Observed During Grasping and Isometric Contraction

  Measurements at all flexion angles were conducted under two conditions: while passively grasping a cylindrical object (without force) and during isometric contraction (with force).

  baseline

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

Healthy and hypermobility volunteers

You may qualify if:

• between 18-65 years

You may not qualify if:

• any history of acute or overuse injuries to the examined hand,
• any prior surgical procedures on the examined upper extremity.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hacettepe University: lead
• Baskent University Ankara Hospital: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Hacettepe University

Ankara, Ankara, 06100, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Joint Instability

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 28, 2025
• First Posted: July 24, 2025
• Study Start: May 15, 2023
• Primary Completion: July 15, 2023
• Study Completion: May 15, 2024
• Last Updated: July 24, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05

Locations

TU (1)