Outcomes of Hook of Hamate Fracture Excision in High-Level Amateur Athletes

Purpose To determine the overall long-term postoperative clinical and functional results of high-level amateur athletes after hook of hamate excision, based on complications; return to sport; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score; and a self-reported questionnaire. Methods We evaluated 11 patients representing 12 cases of hook of hamate excision. All patients were high-level amateur athletes (rising collegiate or collegiate level). We performed a retrospective chart review to elicit information pertaining to the patient's injury. We assessed long-term postoperative outcomes with a self-reported questionnaire, the DASH form, and the DASH Sport/Performing Arts Module form. Results All patients successfully returned to full participation in their respective sports an average of 6 weeks after surgery. The average postoperative DASH score was less than 1, and all patients scored a 0 on the DASH Sports form. There was a significant improvement in preoperative pain after surgical intervention. There was no significant difference between preinjury and postoperative performance scores. Finally, every patient was very satisfied with the surgical outcome. There was only 1 postoperative complication in which a patient developed transient ulnar nerve paresthesias, which completely resolved by 6 weeks after surgery. Conclusions Surgical excision of hook of hamate fractures in high-level amateur athletes allows for successful return to sports participation at preinjury performance levels, achievement of normal function as measured by validated objective outcome measures, significant reduction in pain, and high overall patient satisfaction. We consider surgical excision to be a safe and effective technique to restore normal function and hasten return to play for high-level amateur athletes. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.