Symptomatic, partial union of the hook of the hamate fracture in athletes

Many clinicians believe that after fracture of the hook of the hamate, nonunions are the rule rather than the exception.

To describe a previously unreported condition in which the fractured hook of the hamate unites only along its ulnar column and causes pain similar to that in cases of nonunion.

Retrospective review.

Eight patients who had sustained a hook of the hamate fracture were identified, on the basis of their persistent pain, as having achieved only partial union. This diagnosis was made despite evidence on computed tomography of healed bone across a significant portion of the fracture. All eight patients underwent subperiosteal excision of the hamulus because of persistent pain. At an average of 4 years after excision, each patient was evaluated by dynamometer grip strength testing and a subjective outcome assessment.

All patients were able to return to their preinjury level of sports participation at an average 8 weeks after excision of the hook of the hamate. Grip strength was not adversely affected in any patient. Subjective evaluation of each patient revealed no residual pain.

Chronic or unresolved pain on the ulnar side of the wrist after hook of the hamate fracture can be due to partial union. This condition should be managed no differently from a symptomatic nonunion, with excision of the hook of the hamate and repair of the ligament attachments.