Symptomatic, partial union of the hook of the hamate XXXX in athletes.

@entity1 @entity158 @entity174
BACKGROUND: Many clinicians believe that after @entity174 of the hook of the hamate, nonunions are the rule rather than the exception. PURPOSE: To describe a previously unreported condition in which the fractured hook of the hamate unites only along its ulnar column and causes @entity158 similar to that in cases of nonunion. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: Eight @entity1 who had sustained a hook of the hamate @entity174 were identified, on the basis of their persistent @entity158 , as having achieved only partial union. This diagnosis was made despite evidence on computed tomography of healed bone across a significant portion of the @entity174 . All eight @entity1 underwent subperiosteal excision of the hamulus because of persistent @entity158 . At an average of 4 years after excision, each @entity1 was evaluated by dynamometer grip strength testing and a subjective outcome assessment. RESULTS: All @entity1 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 @entity1 . Subjective evaluation of each @entity1 revealed no residual @entity158 . CONCLUSIONS: Chronic or unresolved @entity158 on the ulnar side of the wrist after hook of the hamate @entity174 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.
