Hook of the Hamate Fractures

A fracture of the hook of the hamate is a rare injury. It is often missed on examination after an acute injury and diagnosed when the nonunion presents as persistent hypothenar pain. This fracture typically occurs with a direct blow to the hand or from the unbalanced load of a golf club, tennis racquet, or baseball bat. A carpal tunnel view roentgenogram, magnetic resonance imaging, or a computed tomography scan can confirm the diagnosis. The mainstay of treatment is excision of the hook of the hamate. This offers excellent results with return to preinjury level of activity.