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Hook of hamate fractures in competitive baseball players

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HAND

Abstract

Background

Baseball players are susceptible to a number of specific upper extremity injuries secondary to batting, pitching, or fielding. Fractures of the hook of hamate have been known to occur in batters. The purpose of this study is to present our experience with the surgical management of hook of hamate fractures and their short-term impact on the playing capability of competitive baseball players.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with hook of hamate fractures between the years 2000 and 2012. The inclusion criteria were (1) hook of hamate fracture, (2) competitive baseball players, and (3) surgical treatment of the injury. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, surgical treatment, and outcome were collected from the medical records. Information on return to play was collected from the Internet when applicable.

Results

There were seven male patients that underwent eight procedures. The mechanism of injury was attributed to batting in six cases and rogue pitches in two cases. All surgeries consisted of hamate hook excision and ulnar tunnel decompression. One patient had concomitant carpal tunnel release. The median time between surgery and return to play was 5.7 weeks (range, 4.3 to 10.4 weeks).

Conclusions

The mechanism of hook of hamate fractures in baseball players is predictable, most often developing secondary to repetitive swinging. This injury may occur at all levels of competition. Ulnar tunnel decompression with hook of hamate excision provides good outcomes, with minimal complications and early return to play.

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Conflict of Interest

None of the authors have any conflicts of interest to declare.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Philadelphia Hand Center, P.C. 834 Chestnut Street, Suite G114, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA

    Abdo Bachoura, Andrew Wroblewski, A. Lee Osterman & Randall W. Culp

  2. The Philadelphia Hand Center, Thomas Jefferson University, 700 South Henderson Road, Suite 200, King of Prussia, PA, 19406, USA

    Sidney M. Jacoby

Authors
  1. Abdo Bachoura
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  2. Andrew Wroblewski
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  3. Sidney M. Jacoby
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  4. A. Lee Osterman
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  5. Randall W. Culp
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sidney M. Jacoby.

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Bachoura, A., Wroblewski, A., Jacoby, S.M. et al. Hook of hamate fractures in competitive baseball players. HAND 8, 302–307 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-013-9527-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-013-9527-4

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