Clinical Results of Excision of Hamate Hook in the Baseball Players with Hamate Hook Nonunion

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to report the clinical results of excision of the hamate hook in baseball players with hamate hook nonunion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 10 baseball players treated with excision of the hamate hook. Among 10 players, there were 3 professional players and 7 amateur players. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, exercise performance score, and grip power. We also checked complications and time to return to the game. RESULTS: At final follow-up, the average VAS score was 0.4 points and the average performance score was 9.0 points. The grip power was recovered to 96.7% of the opposite hand at final follow-up. Significant improvement in pain and grip power was observed after surgery. The average time to return to the game was 11.8 weeks. There was one case of postoperative ulnar nerve neuropathy, which was completely resolved within 12 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSION: We think that excision of the hamate hook is an effective treatment to enable early return to the game without loss of grip strength in the baseball player with nonunion of the hamate hook.