Fracture of the Hook of Hamate

What is a Fracture of the Hook of Hamate?

The hook of hamate is a small projection of bone located on the hamate bone in the wrist, near the base of the little finger.

This structure forms part of the carpal bones, which make up the wrist joint and support hand movements.

The hook of hamate plays an important role in:

• Providing attachment points for ligaments and tendons
• Supporting grip strength
• Protecting nearby nerves and blood vessels in the hand

A hook of hamate fracture occurs when this small bony structure breaks. Because it is involved in gripping activities, the injury can significantly affect hand strength and function.

How Does a Hook of Hamate Fracture Happen?

Hook of hamate fractures usually occur due to direct impact to the palm of the hand.

This injury is common in sports where equipment presses forcefully against the palm.

Typical causes include:

• Impact from sports equipment handles (such as hockey or golf clubs)
• Hitting the ground forcefully with a stick or bat
• Falls onto the palm of the hand
• Direct trauma to the palm during sports activities

For example, in hockey, if the stick strikes the ground instead of the puck, the force may travel through the handle into the palm, fracturing the hook of the hamate.

These injuries are often seen in sports such as:

• Hockey
• Golf
• Baseball
• Racquet sports

What Are the Symptoms of a Hook of Hamate Fracture?

The most common symptom is pain on the little finger side of the palm.

Other symptoms may include:

• Tenderness when pressing on the palm
• Swelling around the wrist or palm
• Bruising in the affected area
• Weak grip strength
• Pain when gripping or lifting objects
• Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers if nearby nerves are irritated

Because the hamate bone is involved in grip mechanics, activities such as holding tools, lifting objects, or swinging sports equipment may become difficult.

What Should I Do If I Think I Have a Hook of Hamate Fracture?

If you suspect a hook of hamate fracture, it is important to stop all activity immediately and seek medical attention.

You should visit your nearest accident and emergency department for proper assessment.

Doctors may use imaging tests such as:

• X-rays
• CT scans

These tests help confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the fracture.

To reduce swelling before medical treatment:

• Apply crushed ice wrapped in a cloth
• Apply the ice for up to 20 minutes at a time
• Avoid using the injured hand

Physiotherapy Treatment for a Hook of Hamate Fracture

Treatment for hook of hamate fractures may involve immobilisation or surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the injury.

In some cases, surgery is performed to remove the fractured portion of the bone.

After immobilisation or surgery, physiotherapy is essential to restore normal hand function.

At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, physiotherapists develop personalised rehabilitation programmes to support recovery.

Treatment may include:

Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques help improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness in the wrist and hand.

Targeted Strengthening Exercises

Exercises help restore grip strength and improve muscle function in the hand and forearm.

Stretching Exercises

Stretching routines help improve flexibility and restore full range of motion.

Electrotherapy

Modalities such as ultrasound or laser therapy may be used to reduce pain and support tissue healing.

Soft Tissue Mobilisation

Techniques help improve scar tissue flexibility and reduce adhesions following surgery or immobilisation.

Functional Training

Functional exercises help restore everyday hand movements such as:

• Gripping
• Lifting objects
• Holding tools

These treatments help restore strength, coordination, and normal hand function.

What Should I Avoid With a Hook of Hamate Fracture?

If you suspect or have been diagnosed with a hook of hamate fracture, certain activities should be avoided.

Avoid:

• Using the injured hand before medical assessment
• Lifting heavy objects
• Continuing sports activities
• Gripping tools or equipment
• Ignoring pain in the palm

Using the injured hand too early may worsen the injury or delay healing.

Can There Be Long-Term Effects?

Hook of hamate fractures often do not heal easily without proper immobilisation, due to the difficulty in stabilising this small bone.

For this reason, surgical removal of the fractured fragment is sometimes recommended.

In most cases, patients recover well following surgery and physiotherapy.

However, complications may occur if nearby structures were damaged during the injury, including:

• Nerve irritation
• Persistent grip weakness
• Prolonged recovery time

With appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, most individuals can return to normal activities within a few months.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

ACE Physio Sports – Singapore provides specialised physiotherapy for hand injuries, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Our physiotherapists design personalised rehabilitation programmes to restore strength, mobility, and hand function.

Patients benefit from:

• Experienced physiotherapists
• Personalised treatment plans
• Evidence-based rehabilitation techniques
• Sports and musculoskeletal specialists
• Modern physiotherapy facilities

Our East Coast Road clinic serves patients from nearby areas including:

• Marine Parade
• Katong
• Joo Chiat
• Siglap
• Bedok
• Telok Kurau

We help patients return safely to daily activities, work, and sports.

Book an Appointment

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com.