Isolated hamate dislocation with simultaneous carpometacarpal subluxation. A case report

Abstract

Background: Hamate dislocation is a rare injury resulting from high energy trauma of the hand. Isolated or combined with other injuries, volar or dorsally dislocated should be recognized and treated so as to restore anatomically adjacent carpal bony structures. Treatment can be closed or open with internal stabilization. Physiotherapy should follow until satisfactory joint motion and hand grip strength is achieved.

Case Report: We present an isolated volar hamate dislocation, with simultaneous ulnar translation of the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones, following a crush injury due to high pressure hydraulic machine. To the best of our knowledge, no such a case has been described. During open surgical exploration hamate was identified intact and was pinned to adjacent bones with Kirschner wires. Following intense physiotherapy the patient returned to previous level of working activity.

Conclusion: Open reduction and stabilization with K-wires can be an effective and definite surgical treatment in complex dislocations of the hamate.