In this article, we will discuss with you all the details you need to know about hamate fracture and how to go about the treatment if your hamate bone gets broken. The human hand is both marvelous and complex at the same time. There is a high incidence of broken bones in the hand every year and this is a common reason why people go to see a Doctor.
There are about 27 bones in the hand and the hamate bone is an important part of these bones. Hamate fracture is commonly in racket sports like tennis.
The hamate bone is very crucial that an injury to it will have a widespread effect on the wrist and palm. This means that you wouldn’t be able to twist or turn your hands as much as you’d like to.
What Is A Hamate Fracture?
As you may have known, a fracture is a partial or complete break in the continuity of a bone. Hamate fracture is a breakage or damage to the hamate bone of the wrist.
The hamate bone is a triangular bone and it made up of a body and a hook. This bone is one of the 8 bones in the wrist known as the carpal bones. The carpal bones function together and enable you to make all the wrist movements you make.
Below the hamate bone in the wrist is an artery and nerve known as the ulnar artery and the ulnar nerve. In some cases, the fracture of the hamate bone could be severe enough to damage the ulnar artery and nerve.
What Are The Types Of Hamate Fracture?
The fracture of the hamate bone is classified based on the part of the hamate bone that is broken. They are classified as:
- Type 1: Fracture involving the hook of the bone.
- Type 2: Fracture involving the body of the bone.
Causes Of Hamate Fracture
The causes of fracture of the hamate bone include:
- Sports: a Participating in racket, bat or club sports can result in a broken hamate bone due to the intensity of force that is usually applied in these sports.
- Accident: A direct force such as hitting your wrists on a hard surface or if your wrist is caught between a door can result in hamate fracture.
- Trauma: Falling on an outstretched hand can also lead to a fracture of the hamate bone.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of A Hamate Fracture?
- Inability to grasp or hold objects properly could point to a hamate fracture
- A swelling around the wrist
- The weakness of the muscles supplied by the ulnar and median nerve is also a sign of a hamate fracture since these structures are located below the hamate bone and may have been damaged in the process of fracture
- A weak grip is also a sign of hamate fracture
- Bruising of the skin above the hamate bone
- Pain around the wrist when you attempt to move
- Pain around the wrist when you touch it
Diagnosis
A doctor will diagnose the broken bone after checking your medical history a conducting a physical examination. Also, the Doctor may request for an X-ray to MRI to aid his diagnosis.
Treatment
- Control the bleeding from the fracture by applying pressure on the site of the fracture.
- Apply ice around it to reduce the pain
- The Doctor will also prescribe painkillers like ibuprofen
- The doctor will put your hand in a cast
- You will need to rest your hand for few weeks to enable it to heal properly.
Contact 9INE POINT Health
9INE POINT Health is the best place to start your search for a healthcare provider for a Hamate Fracture. 9INE POINT Health lets you search for providers by type and skill. You can look for a Physical Therapist that also knows acupuncture and find the best local options.
If you are unsure where to start your journey, 9INE POINT Health will ask you questions and help you figure out the best starting place. The platform makes it easy to compare health providers as they are all given a 9INE POINT Number.
KHO Health was acquired by was acquire by 9INE POINT in the summer of 2019 and is now referred to as 9INE POINT Health.
9INE POINT Health was created by 9INE POINT in '19 as a means to provide athlete-driven resources to "Protect Athletes' Minds, Body and Belly". As well as be a platform for healthcare providers and other specialists to display their knowledge.
