How do you know if you break your hamate bone?

How do you know if you break your hamate bone?

The most common symptom of a fracture of the hook of the hamate is pain. Swelling, bruising, and weakness of grip are also common. The pain may be vague and difficult to reproduce, but should be found when an examiner presses directly on the hook of the hamate bone.

What does a hamate fracture feel like?

Symptoms of a hook of the hamate fracture may include: Sudden onset pain and swelling. Bruising. A sensation of “pins and needles” radiating up into the ring and pinky fingers if the has been nerve involvement in the injury.

Is a hamate fracture painful?

Hamate fracture involves the body or the hook. Fractures of the hook can occur as a result of impact with the handle of a racquet or club during ball strike or from a fall on the volar, ulnar aspect of the hand. The clinical presentation is pain with palpation over the hook and painful grip.

How is hamate bone treated?

Nondisplaced fractures can generally be treated with immobilization and close follow-up. Displaced hook of the hamate fractures can be treated with fragment excision, whereas displaced body fractures generally require open reduction and rigid internal fixation.

How long does a hamate bone take to heal?

Typically, if treated conservatively, simple fractures of the hamate are unified within 6-8 weeks of injury. Patient participation in full-contact sports, such as football, usually requires bracing or protection for the wrist until full musculature and flexibility have returned.

What causes a hamate fracture?

What causes Hook of Hamate Fractures? Hamate fractures usually happen to athletes who grip a bat or club. For instance, a fracture can occur to a baseball player when they check their swing. Sometimes, the repetitive stresses placed on the wrist from gripping a bat or club over time can cause this injury.

Where is the hamate bone in your hand?

The hamate has a wedge-like shape with a distinct bony process called hook of hamate that extends from the palmar surface. It is situated in the distal row of carpal bones on the medial side of the wrist.

Can you feel the hook of hamate?

The hook of hamate can be palpated on the medial side of the wrist inferior and laterally to the pisiform.

How long does a broken hamate take to heal?

What is special about the hamate bone?

The hamate is one of the carpal bones that form the carpal arch, wherein the carpal tunnel is situated. It forms part of the ulnar border of the carpal tunnel. It also serves as an attachment for multiple structures such as the transverse carpal ligament (flexor retinaculum).

Will my wrist ever heal?

It might take 8 weeks or longer for your wrist to heal. More severe breaks may not fully mend for 6 months. You and your doctor will decide when you are fully recovered. Don’t rush back into your activity too soon.

What happens if a fracture is left untreated?

When a bone fracture is untreated, it can result in either a nonunion or a delayed union. In the former case, the bone doesn’t heal at all, which means that it will remain broken. As a result, swelling, tenderness, and pain will continue to worsen over time.