Oliver Scheufler1,2, Sebastian Radmer3, Gottfried Bogusch4, Reimer Andresen5. 1. Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, HELIOS Klinikum Emil von Behring, Academic Teaching Hospital, Charité-Medical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany. oscheufler@gmx.net. 2. Department of Plastic and Aestethic Surgery, HELIOS Klinikum Emil von Behring, Walterhoeferstrasse 11, 14109, Berlin, Germany. oscheufler@gmx.net. 3. Department of Orthopedics and Rheumatic Surgery, Immanuel Hospital, Academic Teaching Hospital, Charité-Medical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany. 4. Institute for Cell and Neurobiology, Center for Anatomy, Charité-Medical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany. 5. Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology/Neuroradiology, Westkuestenklinikum Heide, Academic Teaching Hospital, University of Kiel, Luebeck and Hamburg, Kiel, Germany.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Isolated fractures of the hamate hook can be treated by conservative or surgical means. Because nonoperative treatment is associated with high nonunion rates, surgical treatment with open reduction and internal fixation through a palmar approach is often preferred. The aim of this study was to refine surgical treatment of hamate hook fractures using a cannulated mini compression screw through a dorsal percutaneous approach. METHODS: Artificial fractures of the hamate hook were created in five male cadaver hands under fluoroscopy. Using an ulnar approach, the hamate hook was fractured at the base (n = 3) and middle third (n = 2) of the hook using an osteotome. Each fracture was visualized by X-ray and computed tomography. Under fluoroscopy, the fracture was stabilized with a 1.1 mm K wire through a dorsal percutaneous approach which guided the introduction of a 3 mm diameter cannulated mini compression screw. The screw position was then controlled by X-ray and computed tomography. RESULTS: Percutaneous fixation of the fractured hook through the dorsal approach was achieved in all cases. Regardless of the fracture location, all fragments were adapted into anatomically correct positions. No displacement or disruption of the cortex of the hook was observed with central screw positioning. CONCLUSION: Minimal invasive repair of isolated hamate hook fractures through a dorsal percutaneous approach is feasible. The special properties of the cannulated mini compression screw allow optimal screw positioning and stable fixation without risk of diplacement or disruption of the hook fragment.
PURPOSE: Isolated fractures of the hamate hook can be treated by conservative or surgical means. Because nonoperative treatment is associated with high nonunion rates, surgical treatment with open reduction and internal fixation through a palmar approach is often preferred. The aim of this study was to refine surgical treatment of hamate hook fractures using a cannulated mini compression screw through a dorsal percutaneous approach. METHODS: Artificial fractures of the hamate hook were created in five male cadaver hands under fluoroscopy. Using an ulnar approach, the hamate hook was fractured at the base (n = 3) and middle third (n = 2) of the hook using an osteotome. Each fracture was visualized by X-ray and computed tomography. Under fluoroscopy, the fracture was stabilized with a 1.1 mm K wire through a dorsal percutaneous approach which guided the introduction of a 3 mm diameter cannulated mini compression screw. The screw position was then controlled by X-ray and computed tomography. RESULTS: Percutaneous fixation of the fractured hook through the dorsal approach was achieved in all cases. Regardless of the fracture location, all fragments were adapted into anatomically correct positions. No displacement or disruption of the cortex of the hook was observed with central screw positioning. CONCLUSION: Minimal invasive repair of isolated hamate hook fractures through a dorsal percutaneous approach is feasible. The special properties of the cannulated mini compression screw allow optimal screw positioning and stable fixation without risk of diplacement or disruption of the hook fragment.