Hamate Fracture: A Common Presentation of an Uncommon Fracture.

Hamate fractures are uncommon, but early and accurate diagnosis is critical to prevent negative outcomes. Hamate fractures may present initially to emergency departments, and diagnosis can be challenging. This case report of a common hamate fracture may aid in increasing emergency advanced practice nurse knowledge to identify these fractures in practice.

Classification of Hamate Fractures: An Analysis of 247 Patients with Hamate Fractures.

Background: We devised a new classification of hamate fractures named the TOUCH classification. Each letter of this acronym depicts a fracture type - Type I (Transverse fracture), Type II (Open and/or complex fracture), Type III (Ulnar/medial tuberosity fracture), Type IV (Coronal fracture) and Type V (Hook fracture). Each fracture type was further divided into two or three subtypes (a, b, and/or c) based on degree of severity. The aim of this study is to classify the hamate fractures treated at our centre using this classification. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients with hamate fractures treated at our hospital between 2003 and 2022 was done. Patient data with regard to age, gender, mechanism of injury, injured limb and any associated injuries was collected. Hamate fractures were classified based on the TOUCH classification. Results: A total of 247 patients with hamate fractures were included. Patients in the age group of 20-40 years accounted for 73.6% of all fractures. Female patients accounted for only 6.9% of all fractures and 76.5% of women with hamate fractures were older than 40 years. The incidence of hamate fracture tended to increase with age in women. The most common mechanism of injury was a fall (69 patients). The injury involved the right upper limb in 195 patients. And 164 patients had associated injuries in the same upper limb. Type III (coronal fracture of the hamate body) accounted for 57.4%, followed by type V (hook of hamate fracture) in 26.7% of patients. Conclusions: The TOUCH classification could cover all kinds of hamate fractures. It is easy to remember and may guide surgeons in considering treatment options. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Diagnostic).

The 'Shish-Kebab technique' in intra-articular fractures of the hamate body and concomitant 4th metacarpal base fracture.

PURPOSE: Hamate fractures are infrequent and often overlooked wrist injuries. Our objective is to present the Shish-Kebab method, a surgical approach utilized in the treatment of intra-articular Hamate body fractures occurring concurrently with fourth metacarpal base fractures and dislocations. METHODS: This study was conducted at a single-center using a prospective design. It included patients aged 16-65 with Kim Type IIB fractures affecting the dominant side. Patients with the same features of fracture and carpometacarpal (CMC) instability findings were divided into two groups according to the success of the closed reduction procedure. In the conservative group (8 patients), all fractures and instability findings were successfully resolved with closed reduction and a short arm plaster cast. The surgical group (8 patients), comprising those requiring open reduction and internal fixation, underwent the application of the 'shish kebab' method. RESULTS: At the 6th and 12th week follow-ups, no significant differences were observed between the groups concerning pVAS and QuickDash scores. However, upon examining the QuickDash scores, a statistically significant difference emerged between the 6th and 12th weeks within both the conservative (p = 0.017) and surgical (p = 0.012) groups in the intragroup analysis. Grip strength, measured as 83.78% of the contralateral side in the surgical group and 79.51% in the conservative group, did not exhibit a statistically significant difference (p = 0.462). CONCLUSION: In the management of Hamate body intra-articular fractures and accompanying fourth metacarpal base fracture dislocations, good clinical results can be achieved with the 'Shish-Kebab' method in cases where closed reduction is unsuccessful.

Optimal Immobilization After Fixation of Bennett's Fracture: A Cadaveric Study.

OBJECTIVE: Treating high-level athletes involves a balance between early and safe return to play. Various types of protective immobilization have been recommended after operatively treated Bennett's fracture. The purpose of this study was to investigate if hand-based immobilization offers protection equivalent to forearm-based immobilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cadaveric model of Bennett's fracture was created in 8 fresh-frozen, cadaveric forearms. Osteosynthesis was performed using a single headless compression screw. Three matched pairs were casted in either hand-based or forearm length, thumb spica casts, while 2 specimens remained un-casted as controls. Specimens were mounted on a custom testing apparatus. Weights were added in 6.8-kg increments until fixation failed and the fracture displaced. Fluoroscopy was performed after each trial. We used the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test to compare the groups. We considered P<.05 statistically significant. RESULTS: Failure of fixation occurred at 6.8 kg in the control specimens. Fixation failed in hand-based and forearm length casts at a mean of 18.1±5.1 kg. We did not find a statistically significant difference between median values of load at failure in kilograms across control specimens and 2 immobilization categories (P=.114). All specimens in the hand-based group sustained additional wrist injuries, while no additional injuries were noted in the forearm length group. CONCLUSION: Our study results showed that hand-based immobilization provides equivalent protection against fixation failure for operatively treated Bennett's fractures but may predispose athletes to increased risk of wrist injury compared with traditional, forearm-based casting. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(3):157-160.].

Reverse Hemi-Hamate Autograft for Volar Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Fracture-Dislocations.

Volar proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocations are rare injuries. Treatment is challenging when they are not identified acutely, with poor outcomes reported. We report a surgical technique to treat chronic volar proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocations: a reverse hemi-hamate autograft.

Excision of the hook of hamate in athletes using the carpal tunnel approach.

BACKGROUND: Hook of the hamate fractures can be managed conservatively or fixed using a screw, but excision is recommended for prompt return to activities. Although various approaches have been described, there is no gold standard. Herein, the authors have described their clinical experiences in excising the hook of the hamate using the carpal tunnel approach, in athletes. METHODS: A total of 36 athletes underwent excision of the hamate hook using the carpal tunnel approach. The mean age of the patients was 23 years, and most of them were baseball players (n = 31). RESULTS: The mean operation time was 33 min. None of the patients presented with any complications aside from transient pillar pain in five cases. All of them returned to their sports activities within an average of 27 days. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, excision of the hook of the hamate was performed safely via the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel approach reportedly provides superior benefits over other approaches.

Hemi-hamate Arthroplasty for Base of Middle Phalanx Fracture: A Systematic Review.

Intra-articular fracture dislocations of the base of the middle phalanx are complex and debilitating injuries that present a management conundrum when nonreconstructable. Hemi-hamate arthroplasty (HHA) is a treatment modality of particular use in the setting of highly comminuted fractures. This systematic review aims to summarize the reported outcomes of HHA in this context. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed, yielding 22 studies with 235 patients for inclusion. The weighted mean postoperative range of movement at the proximal interphalangeal joint was 74.3° (range, 62.0°-96.0°) and at the distal interphalangeal joint was 57.0° (range, 14.0°-80.4°). The weighted mean postoperative pain Visual Analog Scale was 1.0 (range, 0.0-2.0). The weighted mean postoperative grip strength was 87.1% (range, 74.5%-95.0%) of the strength on the contralateral side. Posttraumatic arthritis was reported in 18% of cases, graft collapse in 4.2%, and donor site morbidity in 3.0%, with a mean follow-up period of 28.4 months (range, 1-87 months). Hemi-hamate arthroplasty is a reliable and effective technique for the reconstruction of intra-articular base of middle phalangeal fracture dislocations, affording symptomatic relief and functional restoration. Further research is required to assess the true incidence of long-term complications.

Medial femoral condyle free flap for carpo-metacarpal instability following hamate comminute fracture.

Complete reconstruction of the hamate bone has been reported in the literature mostly following cancer excision or avascular necrosis. For the exiguity of the tissue deficit, bone grafting has usually been used as treatment option for its rapidity and easiness to perform, even if a variable amount of bone resorption may occur. In traumatic cases, microbial contamination may jeopardize the success of a well performed bone graft and vascularised bone grafts may represent a better reconstructive option. Here we describe the first case reported in the literature of a patient underwent complete hamate reconstruction following trauma with an osseous medial femoral condyle free flap as vascularized arthrodesis between the capitate and the 4th MTC base, in order to stabilize the 4th and 5th finger and the ulnar carpo-metacarpal joint.

Treatment of the hook of hamate fracture with robot navigation: A note on technique.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate a new robotic technique for the fixation of the fracture of the hook of hamate. METHODS: In this retrospective study, six patients who had undergone treatment of the hook of hamate fracture with a new technique using robot navigation were included. Patients were evaluated postoperatively with flexion - extension and radial-ulnar range of wrist motion, and were measured using a goniometer. Grip strength and pinch strength were measured and compared with the contralateral wrist at the final follow-up. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Mayo Wrist Score were used to evaluate and record the recovery outcome of the wrist. RESULTS: Primarily, healing was achieved at 12.3 weeks postoperatively. At the final follow-up (5-22 months, average 13.1 months) the VAS score of the wrist was an average of 0.3 (0-2); the mean radial-ulnar deviation was 64.7°; the average of the flexion and extension range of motion was 141.9°; the average grip strength was 40.9 Kg; the average pinch strength was 11.8 Kg and the average Mayo Wrist Score was 95.8. CONCLUSION: This study has shown us that treatment of nondisplaced or minimal displaced fractures of the hook of the hamate with robot navigation is a viable technique with satisfactory clinical and radiological results.

Refracture of a Regenerated Hook of Hamate in a Professional Baseball Player: A Case Report.

Hook of hamate fracture occurs in baseball players during bat swing. These fractures are usually treated by excision of the fracture fragment and the players can return to the game without delay. We report a professional baseball player who presented with a hook of hamate fracture. He gave history of undergoing excision of the hook 4 years earlier for a fracture of the hook. He underwent re-excision of the regenerated hook and was asymptomatic at his final follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Hamate vs. capitate grafting for proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocation: an MRI-based study of 35 hands.

We examined the MRI scans of 35 adult hands to assess the feasibility of the hamate and the capitate as potential donor grafts in the management of comminuted intra-articular fractures at the base of the middle phalanges. Essentially neither the hamate nor the capitate were perfect anatomic matches in most digits, but the capitate had the advantage of having more uniform facets, and the capitate facet shapes were similar to those of the little finger. The measurement of angles in the coronal and sagittal plane showed that in some respects the differences between the potential graft and the base of the middle phalanges were smaller for the capitate than for the hamate. Moreover, the sagittal morphology of the capitate made it less prone to joint overstuffing than the hamate. We conclude that the capitate may be considered as a graft donor in selected cases, especially for the little finger.

A Comparison of the Outcomes of Excision of the Fractured Hook of Hamate via a Carpal Tunnel Approach versus a Lateral Approach.

Background: The excision of the hook of the hamate is an accepted modality for the treatment of hook of hamate fractures. Three surgical approaches to the hook of hamate have been described in literature. This includes two palmar approaches namely the Guyon canal approach and the carpal tunnel approach, and the lateral approach. The aim of this article is to compare the outcomes of the carpal tunnel approach and the lateral approach. Methods: Twenty-four patients with hook of hamate fractures were treated by excision of the hook of hamate. The hook of hamate was approached via the carpal tunnel in 15 patients and via the lateral approach in 9 patients. The outcomes with regard to duration of the surgery, complications such as pain, sensory disturbance and scar problems and time to return to sports were measured and analysed. Results: There were no significant differences in outcomes between the carpal tunnel and the lateral approach for excision of hook of hamate fractures. Conclusions: The outcomes of excision of the hook of hamate via the carpal tunnel approach and the lateral approach are similar. The decision to choose an approach should be based on the surgeon's familiarity with the approach. Future studies should include a comparison with the Guyon canal approach preferably in a homogenous group of patients. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

The Measurement of the Inclination Angle of the Hamate and Analysis of the Inclination Angle for the Rotation Deformity of the Little Finger in the Fixation of the Carpometacarpal Joint.

OBJECTIVE: Complex base fractures of the fifth metacarpal bone and dislocation of the fifth carpometacarpal joint are more prone to internal rotation deformity of the little finger sequence after fixation with a transarticular plate. In the past, we have neglected that there is actually a certain angle of external rotation in the hamate surface of transarticular fixation. This study measured the inclination angle of the hamate surface relative to the fifth metacarpal surface for clinical reference. METHODS: In a prospective single-center study, we investigated the tilt angle of 60 normal hamates. The study included thin-layer computed tomography (CT) data from 60 patients from the orthopaedic clinic and inpatient unit from January 2017 to March 2020, including 34 men and 26 women who were 15~59 years old, average 35 years old. The CT data of 60 cases in Dicom format of the hand was input into Mimics and 3-Matics software for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and measuring the angle α between hamate surface and the fifth metacarpal surface. According to the possible placement of the transarticular plate on the fifth metacarpal surface, we measured the angle ß between the hamate surface 1 and the fifth metacarpal surface and the angle γ between the hamate surface 2 and the fifth metacarpal surface. RESULTS: The average angle between the hamate surface and the fifth metacarpal surface was 11.66°. The hamate surfaces 1 and 2 have an external rotation angle of 7.30° and 7.51° on average with respect to the fifth metacarpal surface, respectively. There is no statistically significant difference in the angles between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The horizontal angle of the dorsal side of the hamate is different from the back of the fifth metacarpal surface, and the hamate has a certain external rotation angle with respect to the fifth metacarpal surface. No matter how the transarticular plate is placed, the plate always has a certain external rotation angle relative to the fifth metacarpal surface. When the fixation is across the fifth carpometacarpal joint, if the plate does not twist and shape, it will inevitably cause internal rotation of the fifth metacarpal, resulting in internal rotation deformity of the little finger sequence.

Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain in the Athlete: Sport-Specific Demands, Clinical Presentation, and Management Options.

ABSTRACT: Ulnar-sided wrist injuries are common in sports that require repeated pronosupination, wrist radial/ulnar deviation, axial loading, and gripping equipment. Common anatomic structures affected include the triangular fibrocartilage complex, extensor carpi ulnaris tendon, distal radioulnar and ulnocarpal joints, and hamate bone. Presenting symptoms include pain with activity, swelling, possible snapping or clicking, and reproduction of symptoms with provocative maneuvers. Imaging may confirm or rule out pathologies, but abnormal findings also may present in asymptomatic athletes. Initial treatment is usually nonoperative with splinting, load management, activity modification, strengthening the components of the kinetic chain of the particular sport, and pain management. Surgery is usually indicated in ulnar-wrist pain pathology such as hook of hamate fractures and required in associated instability. Future research should address specific treatment and rehabilitation protocols, emphasizing the complete kinetic chain along with the injured wrist.

Coronal Hamate Fractures with Carpometacarpal Dislocation Treated Effectively Using Headless Compression Screws with Percutaneous Pinning Fixation by Using the 2-Directional Approach: A Report of 2 Cases.

CASE: Coronal shear fractures of the hamate are relatively rare injuries. Surgical intervention is recommended for displaced fractures. However, there is no established surgical procedure for the displaced coronal shear fractures of the hamate. Therefore, we present 2 cases of the displaced coronal hamate fracture with metacarpal dislocations, which were successfully managed with open reduction and internal fixation, using the headless compression screw by the 2-directional approach. CONCLUSION: Our procedure ensured that the screw's distal end captured the hamate hook, and the displaced bone fragments were reduced considerably in both cases.

Capitate and Hamate Fracture. Case Study.

Capitate and hamate fractures are infrequent injuries and are uncommon in isolation. A capitate fracture is usually associated with a scaphoid fracture. The primary mechanism of injury is a fall with the wrist in hyperextension. Other possible ways for capitate fractures are axial down trauma of the third metacarpal and direct trauma. Hamate fractures have a 2% incidence among carpal bone fractures, probably due to underreporting. They can occur on the hamate body or the hamulus or hook. Combined capitate and hamate fractures are uncommon and relevant studies, especially case reports, are scarce. We present a case report of a combined capitate and hamate fracture in a 44-year-old patient who suffered a direct trauma to the back of the hand during a fall. Following a clinical suspicion based on history and physical examination, radiographic and computed tomography (CT) studies were crucial for elucidating the case and proposed treatment, which involved ensuring absolute stability and performing an open reduction, using interfragmentary compression, with the Herbert bone screw implanted in each bone. After the surgical procedure, the patient wore a forearm plaster cast splint for four weeks. A satisfactory outcome was obtained in three months, with a complete range of motion and preserved force compared to the contralateral hand.

Two-incision Approach for the Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Intra-articular Hamate Body Fractures Using a Cannulated Headless Compression Screw.

Fractures of the hamate are relatively rare and there is a paucity of literature describing their natural history, indications for operative fixation, surgical techniques, and outcomes. Most authors recommend operative fixation of displaced intra-articular coronal hamate body fractures, and a dorsal approach with Kirschner wires has most commonly been recommended to achieve this. In this report, a 2-incision approach to the hamate is presented that facilitates rigid internal fixation of coronal hamate body fractures with a cannulated headless compression screw and minimizes the possibility of iatrogenic injury to critical branches of the ulnar nerve. The authors summarize a series of 2 patients with displaced, intra-articular coronal hamate body fractures of differing severity treated successfully with the proposed approach.

[Hollow screw in treatment of basilar part fracture of hamate hook].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of hollow screw for the treatment of basilar part fracture of hamate hook. METHODS: Five patients with basilar part fracture of hamate hook, aged 24-47 years (mean, 31 years) were treated with open reduction and hollow screw fixation between June 2015 and February 2019. There were 4 males and 1 female. The causes of injury were athletic injury in 3 cases, falling injury in 1 case, and crushing injury in 1 case. Among them, 1 case was combined with sensory disturbance of one and a half fingers on the ulnar side of the palm. The grip strength of the affected side was significantly decreased when compared with that of the healthy side in all patients. The intervals between injury and surgery were 3-8 days (mean, 4.2 days). Postoperative follow-up was conducted regularly to measure the grip strength of the affected and healthy fingers and the total motion of ring and little fingers of the affected side. Darrow criteria was used to evaluate the effectiveness. RESULTS: All the incisions healed by primary intention. All the patients were followed up 6-32 months (mean, 16 months). X-ray films showed that the basilar part fracture of hamate hook reached bony union, and the healing time was 2.0-3.5 months (mean, 2.2 months). At last follow-up, the grip strength of the affected side was (35.80±3.76) kg, showing no significant difference when compared with healthy side [(36.00±4.94) kg] ( t=0.094, P=0.930); and the total motion of ring and little fingers of the affected side was (529.0±8.9)°, which was significantly different from that before operation [(232.0±34.7)°] ( t=18.108, P=0.000). In 1 patient with ulnar nerve injury, the two-point discrimination of the innervation area was 4 mm, and the pain sensation and temperature sensation returned to normal. Assessed by Darrow criteria, the results were excellent in 4 cases and good in 1 case. CONCLUSION: For the basilar part fracture of hamate hook, hollow screw fixation can obtain secure reduction and fixation and provide sustained compression and counter-rotation for the broken end of fracture, thus allowing early joint motion and promoting fracture healing and recovery of wrist function. It is a relatively good method for the treatment of basilar part fracture of hamate hook.

Use of the Bridge Plate Technique for the Treatment of Hamatometacarpal Fracture-Dislocations.

Background: This study aimed to describe a novel surgical technique in which a bridge plate was used for the treatment of hamatometacarpal fracture-dislocations and to assess its radiologic and clinical outcomes. Methods: A retrospective review of 16 patients treated with the bridge plate technique for hamatometacarpal fracture-dislocations was performed between 2010 and 2015. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at months 3, 6, and 12 postoperatively. Active wrist and metacarpophalangeal joint ranges of motion and Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores were recorded for the injured hands. Grip strength data were collected for both the injured hands and the contralateral uninjured hands. Results: All patients included in our study were male (mean age 31 years). The average Quick DASH score was 24.3 ± 9.1 at 3 months, 12.3 ± 7.3 at 6 months, and 6.2 ± 6.6 at 12 months. All patients returned to their original jobs within 5 weeks of the procedure. Grip strength eventually recovered to 90% of that of the uninjured hand, and none of the patients complained of finger or wrist joint stiffness. Conclusions: The use of the bridge plate technique may be an effective alternative treatment for patients with comminuted hamatometacarpal fracture-dislocations.