Fracture of the hook of the hamate, often misdiagnosed as "wrist sprain".

A patient with fracture of the hook of the hamate is described, in whom the diagnosis was delayed for 1 year after the initial trauma. This delay in correct diagnosis is often seen, as routine anteroposterior and lateral roentgenograms of the wrist are unlikely to show the fracture. The trauma is often misinterpreted as a "wrist sprain." Nevertheless, with a careful trauma history and a detailed clinical examination and with minimal additional roentgenographic views, it should be possible to correctly diagnose the fracture. Relief of the disabling pain can then be offered by removal of the un-united fracture fragment.