Have anyone of you ever published something which is related to your thesis before graduation?

Let's say if you are carrying a small scale project using some variables similar to your PhD thesis and you manage to publish it prior to the viva voce examination.

Now, can you still claim you have a contribution from your PhD thesis if you yourself have published it prior to Viva Voce?

May I know whether you are pursuing the traditional PhD route or the PhD by publication route?

I see. That's the one.

3 publications in lieu of a traditional thesis. (The PhD by publication route).