Hamate bone

Hamate bone is one of the eight small bones that make up the carpal bones of the wrist. It is located on the ulnar side of the wrist and has a unique hook-like structure, known as the hook of the hamate, which can be easily fractured.

Anatomy

The hamate bone is a wedge-shaped bone, located in the distal row of the carpal bones. It is situated between the lunate and the triquetral on the proximal row, and the capitate and the fifth metacarpal on the distal row. The hamate bone has a prominent hook-like structure on its palmar surface, known as the hook of the hamate, which serves as an attachment point for several ligaments and tendons.

Function

The hamate bone, along with the other carpal bones, forms the flexible wrist joint which allows for a wide range of motion. The hook of the hamate serves as an attachment point for the transverse carpal ligament, which forms the roof of the carpal tunnel, and for several muscles, including the flexor digiti minimi brevis and the opponens digiti minimi.

Clinical significance

Fractures of the hamate bone, particularly of the hook, are relatively common, especially in athletes who participate in sports that involve swinging a racket or club, such as golf or baseball. These fractures can be difficult to diagnose due to their location and the fact that they often do not show up on standard X-rays. Treatment typically involves immobilization of the wrist, but in some cases, surgery may be required to remove the fractured hook.

See also

• Carpal bones
• Wrist fracture
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

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