Fracture of the hook of the hamate: acute treatment.

From a review of the literature and in the authors' practice, fractures of the hook of the hamate (hamulus) are rare and commonly not identified in the acute phase. When fractures are found initially, plaster immobilization has resulted in healing in 46% of cases. However, excision has given a good result when selected in 42% of acutely treated fractures. The method of treatment chosen depends on the lifestyle requirements of the patient.