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Medicine (Baltimore) 2022 Jun 17;101(24):e29479. Epub 2022 Jun 17.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Rationale: Pan-carpal dissociation is very rare injury and there is little information as to diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this injury.

Patient Concerns: A 35-year-man presented to our hospital with severe pain and swelling of the left wrist and forearm after slipping and falling while riding a motorcycle.

Diagnosis: The wrist simple radiographs demonstrated unrecognizable severe fracture-dislocation of the carpal bones concomitant with fractures of the radioulnar shaft. Read More

Bull Hosp Jt Dis (2013) 2022 Jun;80(2):155-159

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. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2022 May 24;10(5):e4352. Epub 2022 May 24.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, La.

Hamate fractures are an infrequent injury and are often missed or have a delayed diagnosis with potential for significant patient morbidity. There is a relative paucity in the literature involving large population studies of hamate fractures and subsequent complications. Gaining a better understanding of complications associated with nonoperative management will help guide the decision for operative intervention. Read More

J Hand Surg Glob Online 2022 May 3;4(3):189-193. Epub 2022 Mar 3.

The Curtis National Hand Center, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD.

A 28-year-old female recreational athlete presented with middle finger proximal interphalangeal joint pain, stiffness, and ulnar deviation deformity 2 years after internal fixation of a middle phalanx base fracture-dislocation. Radiographs revealed posttraumatic changes on both sides of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Having failed nonsurgical measures, she elected to proceed with surgical reconstruction. Read More

Ann Transl Med 2022 Mar;10(6):385

Department of Radiology, Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Hebei Technology Innovation Center of TCM Spleen and Kidney Diseases, Shijiazhuang, China.

Background: Isolated complete dislocation of the hamate bone is a rare wrist injury. Only 22 cases have been reported in the literature. Four of them were associated with nerve injury, but it is a pity that the causes of ulnar nerve injury had never been deeply analyzed. Read More

Orthop J Sports Med 2022 Mar 30;10(3):23259671211038028. Epub 2022 Mar 30.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Background: Hook of hamate fractures are relatively common in baseball players, but the proper diagnosis and surgical technique can be challenging. Outcomes after surgical excision, as well as optimal surgical technique, in elite baseball players have not been clearly established.

Hypothesis: Excision of hook of hamate fractures with a technique tailored to elite professional and collegiate baseball players will lead to high rates of return to play within a short time. Read More

J Hand Surg Am 2022 Mar 4. Epub 2022 Mar 4.

University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Centre, Saskatoon Saskatchewan, Canada. Electronic address:

Rock climbing places substantial stress on the upper extremities and can lead to unique injuries not common to other sports. With increasing popularity of the sport, hand surgeons are expected to see more patients with these pathologies. An understanding of the sport, accurate diagnoses, and appropriate treatment protocols are critical to maintain climbers' competitive abilities. Read More

Case Rep Surg 2022 14;2022:6774826. Epub 2022 Feb 14.

Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, Tullamore, Offaly, Ireland.

Fractures of the hamate bone are an unusual clinical entity. Dual fractures involving both the body and the hook of the hamate are even more unique, with only two previous cases described in the literature, to our knowledge. Clinicians are often unfamiliar with the presenting signs of this unusual injury, and subsequently, diagnosis is often delayed or missed entirely. Read More

J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2022 Jul 20;47(7):755-760. Epub 2022 Feb 20.

Orthopaedic Department, Tauranga Hospital, Tauranga, New Zealand.

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. Read More

J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol 2022 Feb 9;27(1):117-123. Epub 2022 Feb 9.

Aso Orthopaedic Clinic, Oita City, Japan.

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. Read More

Hand (N Y) 2022 Feb 8:15589447211063570. Epub 2022 Feb 8.

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine whether reconstruction of the proximal pole of the scaphoid with a proximal hamate graft restores native carpal kinematics.

Methods: A cadaveric study was designed assessing wrist kinematic after proximal hamate graft for proximal pole of the scaphoid nonunion. Wireless sensors were mounted to the carpus using a custom pin and suture anchor system to 8 cadavers. Read More

J Hand Surg Am 2022 Jan 10. Epub 2022 Jan 10.

Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China. Electronic address:

Purpose: The management of a proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint fracture dislocation becomes more challenging when the joint surface is damaged because of severe comminution or inadequate treatment in the acute phase. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of an osteochondral autograft for the reconstruction of the joint surface in patients with a partial PIP joint defect.

Methods: Twelve patients underwent osteochondral autograft surgery from May 2007 to July 2018. Read More

Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2021 Dec 21;14(6):475-484. Epub 2021 Dec 21.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.

Purpose Of Review: Due to the rarity and often discrete nature of hamate body fractures, timely diagnosis requires a high level of suspicion on the part of the clinician. Here, the authors have compiled the findings from 6 cohort studies and 33 case reports describing hamate body fractures in order to summarize the natural history, management, and outcomes of these infrequent injuries.

Recent Findings: Fractures of the hamate body typically occur in the coronal plane through axial loading of the metacarpals or loading in the transverse plane by a compressive force. Read More

Orthop J Sports Med 2021 Oct 5;9(10):23259671211045043. Epub 2021 Oct 5.

Hand and Upper Extremity Center of Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Background: Variations in batting technique may put baseball players at increased risk of hook of the hamate fractures. A better comprehension of the mechanism of such fractures is needed.

Purpose/hypothesis: The purpose of the study was to compare 2 different grip types to quantify the pressures exerted on the hook of the hamate during batting. Read More

Hand Clin 2021 11;37(4):545-552

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8233, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. Electronic address:

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. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2021 Sep 13;14(9). Epub 2021 Sep 13.

T&O, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.

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. Read More

Trauma Case Rep 2021 Oct 24;35:100523. Epub 2021 Aug 24.

Orthopedic Surgery Department, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

An isolated hook of hamate fracture is an extremely rare condition in skeletally immature patients. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for the functional outcome of athletes such as baseball players. The hook of hamate fracture may be missed at initial presentation due to nonspecific symptoms and false-negative radiographs, which may eventually lead to a nonunion. Read More

J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2022 04 29;47(4):424. Epub 2021 Jul 29.

Department of Hand Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China.

Hand Surg Rehabil 2021 12 16;40(6):744-748. Epub 2021 Jul 16.

Private Orthopaedics and Hand Surgery Clinic, Lider Centrio 81/C, Bayrakli, Izmir, Turkey.

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. Read More

J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2021 11 13;46(9):941-945. Epub 2021 Jul 13.

Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Monash Health, Dandenong, VIC, Australia.

Many different surgical techniques have been used to treat unstable dorsal proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocations. The authors have used the base of the middle phalanx of the second toe base as an alternative autograft to treat this type of injury. This retrospective study assessed the clinical outcomes of this procedure in 11 patients. Read More

Anesth Pain Med 2020 Dec 24;10(6):e112070. Epub 2020 Dec 24.

Southcoast Health Physicians Group Pain Medicine, Wareham, Massachusetts.

Context: Ulnar nerve entrapment is a relatively common entrapment syndrome second only in prevalence to carpal tunnel syndrome. The potential anatomic locations for entrapment include the brachial plexus, cubital tunnel, and Guyon's canal. Ulnar nerve entrapment is more so prevalent in pregnancy, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and patients with occupations involving periods of prolonged elbow flexion and/or wrist dorsiflexion. Read More

JBJS Case Connect 2021 06 10;11(2). Epub 2021 Jun 10.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan.

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. Read More

Orthop Surg 2021 Jul 10;13(5):1596-1601. Epub 2021 Jun 10.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.

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. Read More

Curr Sports Med Rep 2021 Jun;20(6):312-318

Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PUERTO RICO.

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. Read More

Hand (N Y) 2021 Jun 8:15589447211014623. Epub 2021 Jun 8.

Australian Research Collaboration on the Hand, Mudgeeraba, QLD, Australia.

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. Read More

J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol 2021 Jun;26(2):240-244

Upper Extremity and Reconstructive Unit, Institute of Orthopaedics, Lerdsin Hospital, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Hemi-hamate arthroplasty is one of the treatment options for dorsal proximal interphalangeal joint fracture dislocation. Many studies reported favorable outcomes. However, some long term studies demonstrated the degenerative change of PIP joint. Read More

J Hand Surg Am 2021 08 24;46(8):653-659. Epub 2021 Apr 24.

HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, Scottsdale, AZ.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe an approach to surgical management of the hook of hamate fractures in professional baseball players.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on Major and Minor League Baseball players who underwent surgical excision for the hook of hamate fracture between the years 2003 and 2019 by a single surgeon. Patient demographics, the mechanism and timing of the injury, diagnostic and operative details, postoperative complications, and timeline to return to baseball activities were recorded. Read More

J Hand Microsurg 2021 Apr 9;13(2):89-94. Epub 2020 Apr 9.

Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom.

 Little and ring finger carpometacarpal joints (CMCJs) injuries are commonly missed due to misinterpretation of radiographs. We aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of four different radiographic views.  Radiographs (posteroanterior [PA], lateral [LAT], pronated oblique [POL], and supinated oblique [SOL] views) showing normal findings or little/ring finger CMCJ injuries were shown to two cohorts of orthopaedic trainees and a cohort of emergency nurse practitioners. Read More

Hand Surg Rehabil 2021 09 14;40(4):519-523. Epub 2021 Apr 14.

Department of Hand Surgery, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.

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. Read More

J Orthop Case Rep 2020 Nov;10(8):76-79

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, Suite 3800, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.

Introduction: A rare case of traumatic, isolated dislocation of the hamate with hook fracture in the setting of concomitant acute hand compartment syndrome is presented. This is the first described case of isolated hamate dislocation presenting with symptoms and examination consistent with acute compartment syndrome of the hand.

Case Report: A 28-year-old man presented with a left hand crush injury. Read More