Hook Of Hamate Fractures - Upswing Health

Employer or Health Plan

We work with many employers and health plans. Search below to see if you are covered Find your plan

Self-Pay

Not covered under your health plan? No problem! We offer the most affordable out of pocket rates on the market.

Learn More Name *FirstLastEmail *Comment or Message *Submit

What type of provider are you looking for?

Physical Therapy Near you Virtual Orthopedic Specialist Print Hook of Hamate Fractures

Connect with a certified trainer for free

Connect × What should your Certified Athletic Trainer know about your injury? (optional) What is the best mobile phone number for your Certified Athletic Trainer to connect with you via text message?

Text message conversations are the fastest and easiest way to connect with you and get you on the path to recovery. We will never sell your # and you will not receive text messages about promotions or other services. Standard text msg rates apply and you can always stop by replying, "stop".This question is required. *

Invalid phone number Something went wrong please try again. Submit

Thank you for contacting us!

Check your phone’s messaging application for next steps. We are here to help!

Hook of Hamate Fractures Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

A hook of hamate fracture is an injury to the small, hook-shaped projection on the hamate bone, located on the pinky-finger side of the wrist. This type of hamate bone fracture often happens from a direct impact or from repeated stress on the wrist, especially during sports that involve gripping equipment. A hamate injury can cause pain, swelling, and weakness, making everyday hand use difficult. Most acute fractures heal with rest, splinting, and activity modification, while chronic or severe injuries may require surgical treatment.

Start with our quick Symptom Assessment or connect directly with an Upswing Coach today.

Request an Appointment

• Overview
• Causes
• Symptoms
• When to see a doctor
• Non-operative treatment
• Surgical Treatment
• Recovery

Ready to take the next step?

Start your symptom assessment or connect with a coach instantly.

Find Relief Today Find Relief Today

Overview

The hamate bone is one of eight small carpal bones in the wrist that connect the forearm to the hand. It is located on the pinky-finger side of the wrist and features a small projection called the hook of hamate. This hook helps stabilize tendons and ligaments, but is also the part most prone to fracture.

A hamate hook fracture can happen from a sudden impact, repeated pressure on the bone, or overuse of the wrist. Although hamate injuries are less common than other wrist fractures, they can be painful and may limit your grip and hand strength.

What causes Hook of Hamate Fractures?

Hook of hamate fractures most often occur in athletes who grip and swing equipment such as baseball bats, golf clubs, or racquets. A sudden impact, like stopping a swing abruptly, can fracture the hamate. Repeated pressure from gripping sports equipment over time may also lead to a stress fracture. Direct trauma or falls onto the wrist can further cause this injury.

How the Injury Occurs

• A sudden impact to the palm or wrist
• Repeated gripping of sports equipment
• Checking a swing in baseball
• Falling onto an outstretched hand

Common Everyday Causes

• Lifting heavy objects awkwardly
• Repetitive wrist twisting
• Direct pressure from tools or equipment

Sports Where Hook of Hamate Fractures Are Most Common

These sports place repeated stress on the wrist, increasing the risk of a hamate hook fracture:

Baseball: Frequent batting and checking swings put direct pressure on the hook of hamate.

Racket Sports (Tennis, Racquetball, Squash): Frequent  swings put direct pressure on the hook of the hamate.

Golf: The club handle presses against the hamate, especially during powerful swings.

Hockey: Repeated impacts and firm grip pressure contribute to wrist injuries

Symptoms

The most common symptom is pain on the pinky-side of the wrist, especially when gripping or rotating the hand. Symptoms may include:

• Weak grip strength – Difficulty holding objects firmly
• Swelling – Mild to moderate swelling around the ulnar side of the wrist
• Bruising – Discoloration around the site of the fracture
• Persistent pain when pressing on the area
• Sharp pain when trying to swing, lift, or grip

These symptoms may indicate a fractured hamate bone, even if the pain initially seems mild.

When to see a doctor

You should consult a doctor if wrist pain persists or worsens, especially if you participate in sports involving bats, clubs, or racquets. During the evaluation, the doctor will examine your wrist, review your injury history, and perform motion tests.

Because a hook of hamate fracture can be difficult to see on standard X-rays, a special “carpal tunnel” view may be required. In some cases, CT scans or MRIs are used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other injuries.

Non-operative treatment

When a hook of hamate fracture is diagnosed early, non-surgical treatment is often effective. Common approaches include:

Splint or cast: Worn for 6–8 weeks to immobilize the wrist

Rest: Avoid activities that place stress on the wrist

Ice: To reduce pain and swelling

NSAIDs: Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve discomfort

After the immobilization period, your doctor may recommend gentle exercises to restore wrist strength and movement.

Below is a PDF of the exercise program: Hook of the Hamate Fractures

Hook of the Hamate Fractures

Surgical Treatment

In many cases, patients seek treatment months after the injury, making non-operative care less effective. For chronic or severe hook of hamate fractures, surgery is often recommended.

The most common procedure involves removing the fractured hook, which typically yields excellent results. Your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery, as well as potential outcomes if the fracture is left untreated.

Recovery

If the fractured hamate is treated nonoperatively, in a splint or cast, recovery can often occur in 4-6 weeks.

If  surgery is required, the wrist is typically immobilized in a splint or cast for one to four weeks. Most athletes are able to return to sports in approximately six to 8  weeks. Hand therapy or physical therapy is important to restore strength, flexibility, and grip control, allowing a safe return to daily activities and athletic performance.

Reviewed By

Jay Kimmel

Dr. Jay Kimmel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, and shoulder and knee disorders. He completed his orthopedic training at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center and a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Temple University.

Dr. Kimmel previously served as the Director of the Connecticut Sports Medicine Institute at Saint Francis Hospital and has held faculty appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Departments of Orthopedics and Family Medicine at the University of Connecticut. He has extensive experience caring for athletes as a team physician for high school and collegiate programs and continues to teach in the athletic training departments at Westfield State University and Springfield College.

Find the Support You Need — Right When You Need It

Whether you’re managing pain for the first time, need ongoing guidance, or require expert medical care, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Start Your Recovery Today

ORTHO DIRECT

Video visit with an orthopedic doctor for advice and a care plan.

$30

/Month

MRI DIRECT

Fast, affordable MRI with orthopedic review. No insurance required.

$499

/Month

Frequently Asked Questions

How serious is a hook of hamate fracture?

A hook of hamate fracture is not life-threatening, but it can seriously affect grip strength and wrist function. Without proper treatment, the pain can persist and interfere with sports or daily activities.

Can a hook of hamate fracture heal on its own?

Recent fractures sometimes heal on their own with rest and a cast. However, long-standing or chronic hamate hook fractures usually need surgery for complete relief.

Why is gripping painful with this injury?

When you grip an object, pressure is applied directly over the hook of hamate, where the fracture is located. This makes gripping, swinging, or lifting extremely painful.

How long before I can return to sports?

Most people return to sports in about six weeks after surgery, depending on healing and physical therapy progress. Early diagnosis may shorten recovery time.

Can this injury be prevented?

You can lower your risk by using proper grip techniques, choosing equipment that fits your hand size, strengthening your wrist, and listening to early signs of pain to avoid overuse.

Contact Us