Conditions & Diagnoses: A-Z

Ask A PT

Fracture of Hamate Bone

Definition:
A break, especially the breaking of a bone or cartilage in the hamate bone.
Symptoms:
  • Pain with gripping
  • Point tender over hamate
  • Numbness and weakenss of 5th finger
Causes:
  • Direct blow
  • Fall
  • Heavy object falling onto hand
  • Hitting the ground hard during a downswing in golf
Treatment:
  • Period of immobilization
  • Progress to ROM and stretching exercises
  • Hand intrinsic muscle strengthening
  • Upper extremity strengthening