Fracture of the Hook of Hamate
The wrist contains a number of small bones called carpals. The hamate is a carpal bone on the outside (little finger side) of the wrist. It has a hook shaped part which protrudes outwards can under certain circumstances can be fractured.
Symptoms of a Hook of Hamate Fracture
- Wrist pain.
- Pain is located on the little finger side of the wrist.
- Reduced grip strength.
- Tenderness when touching the palm side of the wrist.
What Causes This Fracture?
- Swinging a golf club, tennis racket or baseball bat particularly if it suddenly hits an immoveable object for example a golf club hitting the floor.
- A stress fracture that has gone un-noticed and progressed to a full fracture.
Treatment of Hamate Fractures
- Immobilization in a cast for 4 weeks.
- If the injury is noticed late then it is likely not to heal in which case the most popular option is to remove the fragment of bone completely followed by immobilization in a cast for 3 weeks.
- Return to sports specific training may take 6 weeks or more.
