Outcome following coronal fractures of the hamate

Abstract

This is a case series of 14 hamate body fractures, in the coronal plane, with 12 patients having an associated metacarpal injury. Treatment was either conservative or operative and was decided according to the degree of fracture displacement and presence of carpometacarpal subluxation. Patient follow-up was 14.8 months on average, using DASH scores and postoperative radiographs to determine functional and anatomical outcomes. Undisplaced fractures were treated in a cast with good outcome. Postoperative radiographs of patients treated with Kirschner wires for displaced fractures showed incomplete reduction and the outcomes were less favourable. Rigid internal fixation gave excellent radiographic results, although these did not correlate with functional outcome in all patients.