We removed the fracture fragment from fifty-nine patients who had an
isolated fracture of the hook of the hamate. Preoperatively, all had
complained of pain and tenderness on the ulnar side of the palm or on the
dorsal ulnar aspect of the wrist. Most fractures were thought to have
occurred while the patient was swinging a racquet, golf club, or baseball
bat. Some fractures were caused by striking the palm on a solid object, by
falling on the palm, or by a crush injury to the hand. Most of the
fractures were diagnosed conclusively on a carpal tunnel roentgenogram or
on a special oblique roentgenogram of the wrist supinated. We now believe
that computed axial tomography is the best imaging technique for
demonstrating this fracture. Except for two patients who had a crush
injury, all of the patients returned to their regular occupational and
athletic pursuits. There were no surgical complications.