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.].

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.

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.

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).

Grip strength after hamate hook excision and reconstruction surgery: A biomechanical cadaveric study.

Fractures of the hamate hook are common among professional athletes. The recommended treatment for this is hamate hook excision. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the hand grip strength after hamate hook resection at different levels. Six cadaver forearm flexor digitorum profundus tendons were loaded with 5- to 15-kilograms force and grip strength was subsequently measured. The same measurements were performed in five hamate hook conditions: normal, one-third, two-thirds, total hamate excision, and after perihamate ligament reconstruction. Multilevel mixed-effect models were used to calculate the scaling ratios after each surgical intervention and compared them to a normal hamate hook. A 25%, 36%, 47% reduction, and 7% increase (107% of baseline) in grip strength was found after one-third, two-thirds, total bone was resected, and after perihamate ligament reconstruction, respectively. The study shows an association between grip strength reduction and the level of hamate hook resection. Perihamate ligament reconstruction is recommended as it restores grip strength to normal.

Proximal Hamate Autograft for Proximal Scaphoid Pole Reconstruction A Case Report.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) and subsequent fragmentation of the proximal pole of the scaphoid following fracture is a challenging problem to treat. Multiple treatment methods have been described, although they have been shown to have varying degrees of success and are associated with donor site morbidities. This case report demonstrates a technique and the excellent radiographic and clinical outcome at 8 months postoperatively for reconstruction of the proximal pole of the scaphoid using an ipsilateral proximal pole of the hamate autograft.

Hamatolunate impingement syndrome in golfers: results of arthroscopic burring of the apex of the hamate.

Hamatolunate impingement syndrome is an uncommon cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain in the general population. Often misdiagnosed and untreated by non-specialized physicians, it is an important source of chronic ulnar wrist pain in golfers. The purpose of this retrospective study was to report results of arthroscopic burring of the apex of the hamate for hamatolunate impingement, whether isolated or not, in golf players, with a minimum of six months follow-up. Fifteen golf players (10 amateur, 2 semi-professional and 3 professional players), aged 40-61 years, with ulnar carpal pain implicating hamatolunate impingement with Viegas type-II carpal configuration, were included. Treatment consisted in arthroscopic burring of the apex of the hamate. At an average follow-up of 11 months (range, 6-24 months), all patients were satisfied with functional results, except 1 with persistent pain and stiffness; 93% returned to sport to their prior level. Mean range of motion was improved by 17 ° for wrist flexion (range, 15 ° to 30 °) and 15 ° for wrist extension (range, 10 ° to 25 °). All patients except 1 recovered grip strength, improving from 27 kg (range, 12-53) preoperatively to 35 kg (range, 17-61) at last-follow-up, and ulnar-sided pain was alleviated during golf practice. Return to prior sport level was possible by 5.5 months for professional players and by 9 months for amateurs. Arthroscopic burring of the apex of the hamate provided good clinical results for function and pain, with fairly rapid return to sport. Hamatolunate chondritis does not always mean pathology but represents the natural progression of Viegas type II wrists.

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).

Arthroscopic Excision of Hamate Osteoid Osteoma.

Osteoid osteoma is considered the most common benign bone forming tumor accounting for 12% of all benign bone tumors. The carpus is a rare site for this tumor but quite a few cases were reported before. The lesion can be subperiosteal, cortical or medullary. Computed tomography scan is the gold standard diagnostic study, whereas magnetic resonance imaging can result in delaying the diagnosis as reported in the literature. Open excision with or without grafting was the technique of choice in most reviewed cases in the literature. In this paper we will illustrate a minimally invasive technique using wrist arthroscopy for an osteoid osteoma of hamate proximal pole. This minimally invasive arthroscopic technique provides a rapid recovery for patients with lesions that are accessible to wrist arthroscopy.

Hook of Hamate Fractures.

Hook of hamate fractures are uncommon injuries with unclear prevalence. Classic presenting symptoms include volar-ulnar hand/wrist pain and weakness in grip, with possible ulnar nerve paresthesias. Patient factors, such as activity level and desired return to work/sport, shape the most appropriate treatment regimen although excision of the hook has been adopted by most surgeons. Overall, once patients receive the correct diagnosis and are treated, good outcomes with high satisfaction rates are expected.

First reported case of a coronal hamate fracture associated with intrusion of the fifth metacarpal base, together with a fracture of the fourth metacarpal base.

We present a case reporting a rare combination of base of fourth metacarpal fracture and coronal body of hamate fracture, treated conservatively with excellent results. High index of suspicion for undetected bony injuries drove the execution of a CT scan, which allowed us to make a full correct diagnosis and plan treatment. Moreover, this case becomes the first reported case in the literature of such injury causing the intrusion of the base of the fifth metacarpal within the hamate bone, thus causing the coronal pattern of the hamate fracture. Differently from the common surgical management of this type of injury, we successfully treated this patient with close reduction and immobilisation, with full recovery after 3 months.

Reconstruction of proximal pole scaphoid non-union with avascular necrosis using proximal hamate: A four-case series.

Union of proximal pole scaphoid fracture is challenging because the vascular supply is limited. The avascular necrosis accompanying non-union and progressive fragmentation make surgical reconstruction difficult. The present study aimed to report short-term results of reconstruction with proximal hamate in proximal pole scaphoid non-union with avascular necrosis. Four patients (3 male, 1 female) were assessed for non-union following proximal pole scaphoid fracture. Mean age was 25.7 years (range, 22-35 years). Mean interval between injury and reconstruction was 7.5 years (range, 5-9 years). In 3 patients, no treatment was given following the fracture and in the other internal fixation was performed following cast immobilization. The non-united avascular proximal scaphoid was resected and reconstructed with proximal hamate autograft. Mean follow-up was 14.0 months (range, 9-22 months) after reconstruction. At the last control, cases were evaluated in terms of clinical and functional status, and radiologic union was determined on CT scan. Three patients reported subjective decrease in pain. Mean grip strength proportionally to the unaffected side was 24% (range, 8-51%), mean flexion-extension was 55.3% (range, 21-60%), and radial-ulnar deviation was 63.6% (range, 25-100%). Mean QuickDASH score was 32.3 (range, 13.6-52.2). Union was observed in all patients. Proximal hamate reconstruction provided union and pain relief, but only moderate objective functional results. It can be used as an alternative technique in proximal pole scaphoid non-union with avascular necrosis.

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.

Unsuccessful Intervention of CT-Assisted Osteosynthesis for Stress Fractures of the Hook of the Hamate: A Report of 3 Cases.

CASE: We performed computed tomography (CT)-assisted dorsal approach osteosynthesis for stress fractures of the hook of the hamate using the dorsal approach in 3 high school baseball players in the hybrid operating room. Bony union was observed in all patients on CT. All patients were able to play baseball without pain for at least 6 months after surgery. However, refractures were observed in all patients at a mean 9.7 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: The indications of osteosynthesis for stress fractures of the hook of the hamate in baseball players should be carefully considered.

Triquetrum osteotomy to approach an otherwise inaccessible coronal malunion of the hamate.

Fractures of the hamate are rare, and a clear treatment algorithm does not exist. Nonetheless, surgical treatment is generally recommended for displaced fractures using a dorsal approach. There is also a lack of data on hamate malunion. We present a case of a 28-year-old female with a coronal malunion of the hamate and hamate hook fracture. Because the triquetrum prevented direct access to the fracture, we planned and undertook a transtriquetral coronal osteotomy based on three-dimensional computed tomography imaging data. After removing the bone callus, reduction was possible with subsequent fixation. We recommend performing a transtriquetral osteotomy to treat an otherwise inaccessible fracture or malunion of select hamate fractures.

Performance and Return to Sport After Excision of the Fractured Hook of the Hamate in Professional Baseball Players.

BACKGROUND: A fracture of the hook of the hamate is a common injury affecting professional baseball players. The treatment for these fractures ranges from nonoperative immobilization to excision of the fragment. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose was to report the results of surgical treatment of hook of hamate fractures in professional baseball players and determine which factors are associated with return to sport (RTS) and time to RTS. The hypothesis was that there is a high rate of RTS in professional baseball players after surgical treatment of the hook of the hamate fracture with no significant decline in performance after RTS. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: All professional baseball players who underwent excision of the hook of the hamate between 2010 and 2017 were included. Player characteristic and performance data (before and after surgery) were recorded. Performance metrics were then compared before and after surgery. RESULTS: Overall, 261 players were included. Of total injuries, 96% were due to hitting, 86% occurred on the nondominant hitting side, and 89% were acute fractures (11% were nonunion cases). Most (95%) injuries occurred at the Minor League level and 96.2% of procedures were performed by hand fellowship-trained surgeons. Eight percent of players underwent concomitant procedures. The average tourniquet time was 31 ± 13 minutes. In total, 81% of players returned to sport at the same or higher level; 3% returned to sport at a lower level. The median time to RTS after surgery was 48 days (range, 16-246 days). The tourniquet time and number of days to RTS were significantly associated with one another (P = .001; Spearman ρ = 0.290; N = 130). Player utilization significantly increased after surgery. While player efficiency, including batting average (BA), on-base percentage (OBP), and on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS), significantly decreased, these changes were numerically small (BA: 0.26 ± 0.04 preoperatively vs 0.25 ± 0.04 postoperatively; OBP: 0.34 ± 0.04 preoperatively vs 0.32 ± 0.04 postoperatively; OPS: 0.73 ± 0.12 preoperatively vs 0.70 ± 0.11 postoperatively) (P < .001). There were no significant differences between rates of RTS to the same or higher level of play among acute fractures (81%) and nonunion cases (76%) (P = .837). CONCLUSION: After surgical excision for hook of hamate fractures in professional baseball players, 84% were able to RTS, with 81% returning to the same or higher level. The median time for players to RTS after surgery was 48 days. Player usage increased after surgery, while hitting efficiency slightly declined.

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.