Hamate (Hook) Fracture

Description

A hamate fracture is a complete or incomplete break of a part of the hamate bone of the hand and wrist. The hamate bone has a bony protuberance called the hook, which is susceptible to injury and is at high risk of not healing.

Common signs and symptoms

• Pain or soreness on the side of the wrist near the little finger, on the palmar side, or occasionally on the back side

• Pain, tenderness, swelling, and occasionally bruising around the fracture site at the base of the wrist

• Pain gripping or swinging a golf club, bat, or racket

• Numbness and coldness in the hand

• Swelling in the hand that causes pressure on the blood vessels or nerves

Causes

Hamate fracture is caused by a direct force across the base of the palm from a grasped object, such as the end of a golf club, baseball bat, or racket.

Factors that increase risk

• Participation in sports in which a bat (baseball, cricket), club (golf), or racket (tennis, racquetball) are used

• History of bone or joint disease, including osteoporosis

• Previous hand immobilization

Preventive measures

• Maintain appropriate conditioning that includes hand and forearm strength, flexibility, and endurance training.

• For participation in risky sports, wear appropriate protective equipment, such as padded gloves, or use clubs, rackets, or bats with padded tips.

• Use proper technique when hitting or swinging a bat, racket, or club.

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