Hamatum osteoblastom

Osteoblastoma is an infrequent primary osseous tumour. Its presentation in the upper extremities and more specifically in the carpal bones is unusual. We present a case of osteoblastoma localized in the hamate bone and review the treatment realized in this infrequent localization. A young male patient with pain and swelling in the back of his hand of one year’s evolution, resistant to medical treatment. Complementary tests showed lytic tumefaction in the hamate bone with non-aggressive characteristics. It was treated by curettage and filling the iliac crest with autologous graft. The pathological anatomical study diagnosed that it was a case of osteoblastoma. The result was satisfactory, with total disappearance of the pain and a radiological image of complete restitution of the osseous defect, with no signs of recurrence after 4 years. The treatment should be curettage plus autologous graft. Conversely, resection of the affected bone can be considered in cases with aggressive data.