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Excision of the hamate hook in baseball athletes using the carpal tunnel approach

Hook of the hamate fractures can be managed non-operatively, but its excision is recommended for athletes to return to activities as soon as possible. While various approaches have been described, there is still no gold standard. We describe our clinical experiences in excising the hamate hook using the carpal tunnel approach, in baseball athletes.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the data of baseball athletes who were diagnosed with a fracture of the hamate hook that was confirmed radiographically, and those underwent its excision using the carpal tunnel approach. Cases with simultaneous surgeries for concomitant lesions were excluded. Data regarding sex, age, playing level, type of anesthesia, time of surgery, time taken to return to baseball activities, and complications were collected.

A total of 44 baseball athletes were enrolled (all patients were men). The mean age was 23 years, and the playing level was as follows; professional 15 patients, semi-professional 2 patients, youth 27 patients. The surgery was performed under local anesthesia in 36 patients, brachial plexus block in 6 patients, and general anesthesia in 2 patients, respectively. The mean operation time was 34 minutes. All of them returned to their sports activities within an average of 31 days. None of the patients presented with any complications aside from transient palmar pain around the wrist in 6 patients.

In our study, excision of the hamate hook was performed safely via the carpal tunnel for baseball athletes.

baseball, carpal tunnel, fracture, hamate