ANATOMY

Hamate bone is an irregular shaped Carpal bone. It is found within the lateral row of Carpal bones and touches the Metacarpals of middle finger and ring finger. Near Hamate bone on Ulnar side (near Ulna) is Pisiform bone.

SURFACES AND ARTICULATIONS

Hamate bone has six surfaces which are as follows.

• Superior surface is a narrow, convex, and smooth surface which forms a joint with Lunate.
• Inferior surface joins with fourth and fifth Metacarpal bones which are separated by a hollow space.
• Dorsal surface is triangular in shape and rough for attachments of ligaments.
• Palmar surface presents a hook like projection (Hamulus) facing downwards.
• Medial surface forms a joint with triquetral bone.
• Lateral surface forms a joint with Capitate. The remaining surface is rough due to ligamentous attachments.

DEVELOPMENT

The ossification of Hamate bone isn’t fully completed until 15 years.

FUNCTION

The main function for Carpal Bones as a unit is to provide a bony superstructure to hand.

INJURIES

The fracture of this bone normally happens among amateur golfers when they hit the ground hard on the down swing. The fracture of this bone is a hairline fracture commonly missed on X-Ray report. Common symptoms are pain by gripping, tenderness over the Hamate.

Also this is a common injury for baseball players who have had their Hamate bone removed during course of their career. This condition is known as Wilson’s Wrist.