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Gãy xương móc và gãy-trật khớp CMC ngón đeo nhẫn/ngón út

Updated Oct 2026
Illustration: hand

Trang này được dịch bằng máy và chưa được bác sĩ kiểm tra. Bản tiếng Anh là bản chính thức.

Những cảm giác bạn sẽ trải qua

Đây là một chấn thương xảy ra đột ngột, không phải một vấn đề tiến triển từ từ. Chấn thương thường xảy ra khi bạn đấm mạnh vào vật gì đó, ngã chống lên nắm tay, hoặc bàn tay bị một cú đánh mạnh. Bạn có thể cảm thấy hoặc nghe thấy một tiếng rắc ở gốc ngón đeo nhẫn hoặc ngón út. Cơn đau bắt đầu ngay lập tức, ở bờ ngoài lòng bàn tay, gần cổ tay.

Gốc ngón út và xương mà nó tựa lên (xương móc, hay hamate, một trong các xương cổ tay nhỏ) phải chịu lực. Khớp ở đó có thể bị gãy và lệch khỏi vị trí. Bạn sẽ thấy sưng ở mu bàn tay, và có thể bị bầm tím. Ngón út có thể trông bị lệch khỏi trục hoặc nằm khác so với trước. Cử động ngón tay đó, cầm nắm hoặc chống đẩy bằng bàn tay sẽ gây đau. Những việc hằng ngày như cầm cốc cà phê, vặn tay nắm cửa hoặc bắt tay trở nên khó khăn.

Trong những ngày đến những tuần đầu tiên, cơn đau thường nặng hơn vào ban đêm và khi bạn cố cử động ngón tay. Cơn đau dịu dần khi xương và khớp bắt đầu lành. Tình trạng sưng giảm theo thời gian, nhưng bàn tay vẫn đau khi bạn tì lên hoặc nắm chặt.

Những chấn thương này không phổ biến, và tổn thương có thể khó thấy trên phim X-quang thông thường. Đó là lý do việc thăm khám cẩn thận và chụp các tư thế X-quang đặc biệt hoặc chụp CT rất quan trọng. Nếu chấn thương bị bỏ sót, xương có thể không liền, khớp có thể bị mòn sớm, và sức nắm cũng như cử động ngón tay có thể bị giảm. Khớp cũng có thể trở nên không vững nếu không được điều trị kịp thời.

Một điều cần để ý: dây thần kinh chi phối ngón út chạy sát xương này. Tình trạng yếu hoặc thay đổi cảm giác ở ngón tay đó có thể xuất hiện vài ngày hoặc vài tuần sau chấn thương, vì vậy chức năng thần kinh của bạn được kiểm tra ngay từ đầu và được theo dõi sát.

Nếu xuất hiện da bị rách ở chỗ chấn thương, lộ xương, biến dạng rõ rệt, các ngón tay chuyển sang nhợt nhạt, lạnh, trắng hoặc xanh tím, hoặc đột ngột mất cảm giác hay mất cử động, hãy đến khoa cấp cứu ngay trong ngày.

Điều gì đang thực sự xảy ra

Hãy hình dung gốc ngón út như một khối nhỏ đặt trên một gờ hình yên ngựa của một trong các xương cổ tay (xương móc). Gờ này có hai chỗ lõm nông với một sống gờ ở giữa, và khối này bập bênh nhẹ trên đó khi bạn cầm nắm và khum bàn tay. Ngón đeo nhẫn nằm cạnh bên trên cùng xương đó, và hai ngón cùng chia sẻ công việc. Cùng nhau, chúng cho phép cử động khoảng 15 đến 30 độ ở nơi các ngón tay nối với cổ tay.

Khi bạn đấm hoặc bị một cú đánh mạnh, lực truyền thẳng dọc ngón út vào khớp đó. Gờ xương có thể bị nứt, và khối xương có thể bị đẩy lên trên và ra sau, ra khỏi rãnh của nó. Một số gân nhỏ bám gần đó kéo các mảnh gãy, khiến khớp càng lệch xa hơn khỏi trục. Đó là lý do ngón tay không nằm hoặc cử động bình thường: bề mặt mà nó tựa lên vừa bị gãy vừa không vững.

Xương lành bằng cách liền lại với nhau, giống như một cành cây gãy tạo chai sẹo. Nhưng nếu các mảnh xương bị lệch xa nhau, chúng có thể liền sai vị trí, hoặc hoàn toàn không liền. Nếu khớp vẫn nằm lệch khỏi vị trí, các mặt khớp cọ xát không đều và mòn sớm. Vì vậy, mục tiêu của điều trị là đặt các mảnh xương thẳng hàng và giữ yên chúng trong khi chúng liền lại.

Những chấn thương này không phổ biến, và thường xảy ra với lực rất mạnh, nên có thể có cả những chấn thương bàn tay khác đi kèm. Đó là một lý do khiến toàn bộ tổn thương có thể bị bỏ sót trên phim X-quang thông thường, và vì vậy các tư thế chụp đặc biệt hoặc chụp CT được sử dụng.

Thêm một điều đáng biết: xương móc là một trong các xương cổ tay nhỏ, và gãy xương ở đây chiếm 2 đến 4% tổng số ca gãy xương cổ tay. Khớp giữa ngón út và cổ tay bình thường gập và duỗi trong khoảng 25 độ, tức là cử động nhiều hơn khớp của ngón đeo nhẫn. Việc mất đi cử động này là điều khiến việc cầm nắm và khum bàn tay có cảm giác khác đi cho đến khi mọi thứ lành lại.

Những phương pháp điều trị mà chúng tôi có thể áp dụng

Bác sĩ Kieran Hirpara, bác sĩ phẫu thuật chi trên tại Bệnh viện tư nhân Mater Rockhampton, lựa chọn phương pháp điều trị phù hợp với chấn thương cụ thể của bạn. Một số chấn thương này lành mà không cần phẫu thuật, còn một số khác cần phẫu thuật sớm sau chấn thương, vì vậy việc được đánh giá kịp thời rất quan trọng. Thông thường, bệnh nhân được bác sĩ đa khoa giới thiệu đến phòng khám chúng tôi; nếu nhà vật lý trị liệu khuyên bạn nên gặp chúng tôi, bạn vẫn cần có giấy giới thiệu từ bác sĩ đa khoa để được hưởng mức hoàn trả chi phí từ Medicare. Tại phòng khám, chúng tôi hỏi bệnh sử, khám bàn tay và chỉ định chụp hình ảnh khi cần. Sau đó, chúng tôi trao đổi với bạn về các lựa chọn.

Nếu khớp vững hoặc chỉ hơi lệch khỏi vị trí, chúng tôi có thể điều trị mà không cần phẫu thuật. Chúng tôi đưa khớp trở lại thẳng hàng và giữ yên bằng nẹp hoặc bột trong khi xương liền lại. Chúng tôi kiểm tra vị trí bằng cách chụp hình ảnh lại trong quá trình lành. Khi đã an toàn để cử động, chuyên viên trị liệu sẽ cho bạn trở lại cử động và cầm nắm theo từng giai đoạn. Một số người chọn cách này dù biết rằng mặt khớp có thể không nằm hoàn hảo, và có thể còn lại một ít đau hoặc thay đổi vị trí của ngón tay. Sự đánh đổi đó là một phần của quyết định chung giữa bạn và bác sĩ.

Phẫu thuật được khuyến nghị ngay từ đầu khi khớp lệch rõ khỏi vị trí, không vững hoặc bị vỡ thành nhiều mảnh, hoặc khi kiểu chấn thương đòi hỏi điều đó. Phẫu thuật cũng có thể phù hợp với những người có công việc hoặc môn thể thao đòi hỏi bàn tay chịu tải nặng. Ca phẫu thuật đặt xương và khớp thẳng hàng và giữ chúng ở đó trong khi chúng lành. Chúng tôi sẽ giải thích riêng cho bạn về những gì ca phẫu thuật bao gồm.

Dù bạn chọn cách nào, những tuần đầu tiên cũng tương tự nhau. Chúng tôi kiểm soát cơn đau của bạn trong khi tình trạng sưng dịu đi. Bạn bảo vệ bàn tay và giữ tay ở tư thế nâng cao trong khi nó lành. Trị liệu bàn tay bắt đầu vào đúng giai đoạn, không quá sớm và không quá muộn, để các ngón tay và sức nắm lấy lại cử động mà không ảnh hưởng đến xương đang lành.

Những điều có thể mong đợi

Quá trình lành bắt đầu bằng việc xương liền lại với nhau trong khi được giữ yên. Nếu chấn thương của bạn được điều trị không phẫu thuật, bạn mang nẹp hoặc bột trong những tuần đầu và được kiểm tra sát trong thời gian đó để bảo đảm khớp vẫn thẳng hàng. Nếu bạn được phẫu thuật, xương và khớp được giữ đúng vị trí trong khi lành, và trị liệu bàn tay với Ruby Doolan tại Extend Rehabilitation bắt đầu vào đúng giai đoạn để khôi phục cử động và sức nắm.

Quá trình hồi phục diễn ra theo từng giai đoạn. Các ngón tay có thể chậm duỗi thẳng trong hơn 3 tháng sau điều trị, và tình trạng cứng khớp là một phần bình thường của quá trình lành chứ không phải dấu hiệu thất bại. Sức nắm có thể mất nhiều thời gian hơn để trở lại so với cử động ngón tay. Hầu hết mọi người lấy lại được chức năng bàn tay hữu ích khi tình trạng sưng dịu đi và xương liền lại, và những việc hằng ngày như cầm cốc hoặc vặn tay nắm cửa trở nên dễ dàng hơn khi sức nắm trở lại.

Tiên lượng của cả hai cách điều trị đều khả quan. Điều trị không phẫu thuật có thể mang lại hiệu quả tốt khi khớp được đặt thẳng hàng sớm và vẫn vững. Phẫu thuật cho những chấn thương này cũng giúp hồi phục chức năng tốt, và những người được điều trị kiểu chấn thương này chỉ bị mất rất ít chức năng bàn tay lâu dài. Một số người được phẫu thuật đã trở lại làm việc với đầy đủ nhiệm vụ, tuy nhiên thời gian của riêng bạn phụ thuộc vào những việc bàn tay bạn làm hằng ngày.

Có những nguy cơ thực sự mà bạn cần biết. Xương có thể liền ở vị trí không tốt, điều này liên quan đến đau kéo dài và khớp bị mòn sớm. Yếu sức nắm là vấn đề lâu dài chính khi khớp không được đặt thẳng hàng tốt. Xương cũng có thể hoàn toàn không liền. Bản thân phẫu thuật có tỷ lệ biến chứng đáng kể, dù chức năng cuối cùng tốt ở hầu hết mọi người. Chức năng thần kinh của bạn được theo dõi sát sau chấn thương, vì thay đổi cảm giác hoặc yếu ở ngón út có thể xuất hiện vài ngày hoặc vài tuần sau đó.

Nếu các triệu chứng không dịu đi, ngày càng nặng hơn qua nhiều tuần, làm bạn thức giấc vào ban đêm, hoặc khiến bạn không thể làm việc hay sử dụng bàn tay, hãy gặp bác sĩ đa khoa hoặc đề nghị được khám chuyên khoa.

Khi nào nên đi khám bác sĩ

Hãy đi khám cấp cứu nếu ngón tay trông bị lệch khỏi vị trí hoặc biến dạng, nếu da bị rách ở chỗ chấn thương, nếu các ngón tay chuyển sang nhợt nhạt, lạnh, trắng hoặc xanh tím, hoặc nếu bạn đột ngột mất cảm giác hay mất cử động ở bàn tay. Những trường hợp này cần đến khoa cấp cứu ngay trong ngày.

Hãy gặp bác sĩ đa khoa càng sớm càng tốt nếu bạn đã đấm mạnh vào vật gì đó và cơn đau ở gốc ngón út không dịu đi, hoặc nếu tình trạng sưng, cử động hay sức nắm không cải thiện dần qua từng tuần trong quá trình lành. Những chấn thương này có thể khó thấy trên phim X-quang thông thường, nên việc thăm khám cẩn thận và chụp các tư thế X-quang đặc biệt hoặc chụp CT rất quan trọng. Nếu chấn thương bị bỏ sót, xương có thể không liền, khớp có thể bị mòn sớm, và sức nắm cũng như cử động ngón tay có thể bị giảm.


Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

Epidemiology and Recognition

  • Injuries to the body of the hamate, especially involving the little finger metacarpal articulation, are likely more common than reported and should be recognized [2].
  • CMC joint fracture dislocation from second to fifth finger is an extremely rare injury that needs thorough clinical examination and radiological assessment [4].
  • Hamato-metacarpal injuries are uncommon and radiographic findings are often subtle, with the extent of injury often not appreciated [11].
  • Carpometacarpal joint dislocations and fracture dislocations are uncommon injuries that can be very disabling if not recognized early [23].
  • Fractures of the hook of the hamate often go unrecognized, although rare, they can lead to non-trivial tendon complications [9].
  • Treating physicians need to maintain a high index of suspicion regarding lesser digit carpometacarpal joint fracture-dislocations as delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to a suboptimal outcome [18].

Anatomy and Mechanism

  • The hamate articulates with the ring and small metacarpals by two concave facets separated by a ridge [24].
  • The base of the fifth metacarpal consists of a concave-convex facet that articulates with the hamate and a flat radial facet that articulates with the fourth metacarpal base [24].
  • Dorsal and palmar intermetacarpal ligaments and an interosseous ligament stabilize the intermetacarpal joint [24].
  • The injury results from a longitudinally directed force along the long axis of the fifth metacarpal [24].
  • Usually a radial portion of the fifth metacarpal base remains articulated with the hamate and fourth CMC base, whereas the rest of the metacarpal is subluxated proximally and dorsally [24].
  • The displacement is accentuated by the pull of the extensor carpi ulnaris [24].
  • The pull of the abductor digiti minimi as well as the oblique slope of the hamate also contributed to the instability of CMC fracture-dislocations of the small finger [24].
  • Coronal hamate body fractures with CMC instability frequently presented as dorsal oblique patterns following punching injuries and were commonly associated with fourth metacarpal base fractures [8].

Diagnosis

  • Because the extent of the injury is frequently missed on routine x-rays, Bora and Didizian have recommended an anteroposterior (AP) view with the forearm pronated 30 degrees from the fully supinated position [24].
  • The diagnosis can also be made by CT or a Brewerton view [24].
  • Kim et al. recently reported three-dimensional CT reformatted views to have a higher interobserver and intraobserver reliability than standard two-dimensional CT [24].

Complications of Missed or Untreated Injury

  • The risks to not detecting a hamate body fracture are nonunion of the bone, posttraumatic arthritis, decreased grip strength, and decreased range of motion of the hand [6].
  • It is important to diagnose and treat the Carpometacarpal joint dislocation to avoid considerable morbidity associated with it [16].
  • Delayed ulnar-nerve palsy can occur following a fracture of the hamate due to extraneural fibrosis, and it is important to assess ulnar-nerve function at the time of injury and follow patients closely for possible development of delayed symptoms [25].

Treatment Principles

  • Successful treatment of coronal hamate fractures requires identification and treatment of associated disruption or instability of the ulnar 2 carpometacarpal joints [5].
  • In cases of five CMC joint dislocations associated with a hamate body fracture, the authors recommend addressing the hamate fracture with open reduction and internal fixation prior to proceeding with reduction and pinning of the CMC joints [10].
  • In patients with delayed presentation of CMC fracture dislocations, we recommend ORIF [41].
  • If the diagnosis of an ulnar CMC joint dislocation or fracture–dislocation is early accomplished and a concentric and stable reduction is initially achieved, the nonoperative treatment may be a successful option to take into account but requiring a close follow-up for the first week [20].
  • There is no consensus regarding optimal treatment of these fractures as evidenced by a recent systematic review [24].
  • Options run the gamut from closed reduction and cast immobilization to spanning external fixation or open reduction and internal fixation [24].
  • Reduction of these fractures may be unstable, and I agree with several authors that have advocated simple closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation of the fifth metacarpal to the fourth metacarpal or carpus to maintain reduction [24].
  • When the hamate shear fracture is a single fragment, screw fixation of the hamate fragment to the body serves to treat both the fracture and the dislocation [24].
  • Fracture-dislocations of the fourth and fifth metacarpal joints, in association with comminuted dorsal hamate fractures or coronal fractures through the hamate, were particularly unstable and thus open reduction was uniformly necessary [24].

Operative Techniques

  • The surgical treatment of coronal plane hamate fractures associated with the fourth and fifth metacarpal base fracture-dislocations can provide good functional recovery in these complex fractures [1].
  • The study showed favorable outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation of the hamate body fracture with interfragmentary screws, when combined with stabilization of the CMC dislocation with percutaneous Kirschner wires [3].
  • It was successfully treated by open reduction and fixation of the hook of the hamate fracture and stabilization of the carpometacarpal joint [7].
  • Intra-articular fractures of the hamate are uncommon injuries and we would recommend open reduction and internal fixation with K-wires in an attempt to reconstruct the articular surface [13].
  • Operative treatment with headless compression screws is a safe procedure with good clinical outcomes for acute dislocated hamate corpus fractures and nondisplaced fractures of the hook of the hamate bone [15].
  • When fracture of the body of the hamate occurs with wide separation of the fracture surfaces, the most reliable form of treatment is open reduction and internal fixation [17].
  • Open reduction and buttress plate application has been demonstrated in a case series of 11 patients to successfully reduce the fracture while maintaining the mobility of the ulnar-sided CMC joints by not securing the distal end of the plate to the metacarpal [24].
  • Five patients (45%) required a second surgery for hardware removal [24].
  • Dorsal buttress plating between the hamate and the capitate could be an alternative technique for the treatment of fracture-dislocation of the fifth CMC joint with avulsion fracture of the hamate [28].
  • Despite relatively high surgical complication rates, operative management of CMC fracture dislocations results in good-to-excellent functional outcomes [12].

Outcomes

  • Patients who sustain hamate fractures have minimal functional deficits whether managed operatively or nonsurgically [14].
  • Weakness of grip was the major functional disability resulting from inadequate reduction [24].
  • Petrie and Lamb treated 14 fracture-dislocations of the fifth metacarpal-hamate joint by immediate, unrestricted motion and reviewed them at 4.5 years [24].
  • Despite persistent metacarpal shortening, incongruity in the articular surface, and widening of the joint, only 1 patient had pain significant enough to affect work [24].
  • Kjaer-Petersen et al. reported that regardless of the method of treatment (closed, percutaneous, or open), 19 of 50 (38%) patients had some symptoms at a median follow-up of 4.3 years [24].
  • Papaloizos et al. also advocated open reduction and noted that pain directly correlated with degenerative arthritis, which was attributed to nonanatomic reduction in several of their cases [24].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

Bony Anatomy

  • In the ring finger, there is 15 to 30 degrees of mobility between the ring and small finger metacarpal bases and the hamate at the CMC joint [31].
  • The ring finger and small metacarpal bases share a common articulation with the hamate [31].
  • The base of the fifth metacarpal can slide radially if the entire fourth metacarpal is excised [31].
  • The possibility of radial sliding of the fifth metacarpal base is enhanced by the lack of tendinous attachments to the fourth metacarpal base [31].
  • Fractures of the hamate, including hook fractures and those of the hamate body, are stated with 2–4% of all carpal fractures in the literature [22].
  • Hamate-metacarpal fracture-dislocation constitutes 10–15% of carpometacarpal region fracture-dislocations [22].
  • Body fractures of the hamate are less frequent than hook fractures [22].
  • The first classification of hamate fractures was established by Milch et al. in 1934 and does not include coronal fractures [22].
  • Cain’s classification concentrates on the dislocation of the fifth CMC and further co-fractures of the hamate [22].
  • Ebraheim’s classification puts the course of the fracture line through the hamate’s body in the focus of classifying [22].

Ligamentous Anatomy

  • Two distinct dorsal ligaments attach to the dorsal aspect of the fifth metacarpal: one extends from the ulnar base of the fifth metacarpal to the hamate, and the other from the radial base of the fifth metacarpal to the hamate and sometimes to the fourth metacarpal ulnar base [48].
  • An intermetacarpal ligament attaches the radial base of the fifth metacarpal to the ulnar base of the fourth metacarpal [48].
  • One volar ligament attaches to the fifth metacarpal base and extends either to the hook of the hamate or to the ulnar base of the fourth metacarpal [48].
  • There are no intra-articular ligaments at the fifth CMC joint except for one located between the third/fourth metacarpal and the capitate/hamate [48].
  • The alignment of the interosseous ligaments between the fourth and fifth metacarpals differs from the ligament alignment between the second-third and third-fourth metacarpals [48].
  • The fifth CMC joint allows approximately 25° of flexion/extension compared with approximately 15° at the fourth CMC joint [48].
  • When the metacarpals flex at the CMC joints, the dorsal interosseous ligament tightens and the anterior interosseous ligament relaxes [48].
  • When the metacarpals extend at the CMC joints, the anterior ligament tightens and the posterior ligament relaxes [48].
  • The extensor carpi ulnaris tendon attaches on the dorsal ulnar aspect of the fifth metacarpal base [74].

Pathomechanics

  • Articular fractures of the hamate-metacarpal joint are typically the result of either a direct blow with a closed fist or high-energy trauma [24].
  • These injuries are usually associated with proximal and dorsal subluxation of the metacarpal, though palmar dislocations are also reported [24].
  • The pull of the abductor digiti minimi as well as the oblique slope of the hamate contribute to the instability of CMC fracture-dislocations of the small finger [24].
  • A force acting along the longitudinal axis of the fifth metacarpal causes a fracture dislocation at the base of the bone in a dorsal-ulnar direction because of the anatomy of the joint and the mechanical properties of the bone and the intermetacarpal ligament [80].
  • The most common mechanism of CMC dislocations with simultaneous hamate fracture is hyperflexion of the metacarpal heads [37].
  • These injuries usually require a great force [37].
  • The mechanism of injury for hamate dislocation associated with fracture of the trapezial ridge is believed to be traction force through the transverse carpal ligament caused by a flattening of the transverse carpal arch [92].

Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis

  • Hamatometacarpal fracture-dislocations can easily go unnoticed, leading to pain and decreased grip strength [55].
  • The extent of the injury is frequently missed on routine x-rays [24].
  • Bora and Didizian have recommended an anteroposterior (AP) view with the forearm pronated 30 degrees from the fully supinated position for diagnosis [24].
  • Three-dimensional CT reformatted views have a higher interobserver and intraobserver reliability than standard two-dimensional CT [24].
  • The authors recommend obtaining radiographs of the hand in 60° of pronation from the lateral if there is suspicion for a fifth CMC subluxation or dislocation [29].
  • 3D-CT allows for precise analysis of the injury pattern and better surgical planning [55].
  • The relative metacarpal shortening (RMS) is a radiographic measurement with almost perfect agreement between reviewers and is increased in fourth and fifth carpometacarpal fracture dislocations [40].
  • Carpometacarpal dislocations of the hand with a simultaneous fracture of the hamate have been infrequently cited in the medical bibliography occurring in less than 1% of osseous hand injuries [37].
  • Diagnosis can be missed or delayed because of the high likelihood of other severe concomitant injuries [37].
  • Applying a high index of suspicion and performing a good clinical examination play a prominent role in recognizing this rare condition [37].
  • This is a rare hand injury that requires careful radiological assessment and meticulous, stable reduction [30].

Functional Consequences

  • Carpometacarpal dislocations are uncommon and prone to wrist instability if not treated promptly [94].
  • The overall mobility of the 2nd and 3rd CMC joints is limited compared with the 4th and 5th CMC joints [88].
  • The study found more variability and often multiple distinct joint surfaces or facets forming the articulations between adjacent MCs and/or adjacent distal carpal bones [90].

Classification

Epidemiology and Recognition

  • Hamate fractures, including hook fractures and those of the hamate body, constitute 2–4% of all carpal fractures [22].
  • Hamate-metacarpal fracture-dislocations constitute 10–15% of carpometacarpal region fracture-dislocations [22].
  • Injuries to the body of the hamate, especially involving the little finger metacarpal articulation, are likely more common than reported [2].
  • Fracture of the body of the hamate is a more common injury presenting to accident and emergency departments than previously described, especially in young adults [32].
  • CMC joint fracture dislocation from second to fifth finger is an extremely rare injury [4].
  • Intra-articular fractures of the hamate are uncommon injuries [13].

Fracture Patterns and Mechanisms

  • Coronal hamate body fractures with CMC instability frequently presented as dorsal oblique patterns following punching injuries [8].
  • Coronal hamate body fractures with CMC instability were commonly associated with fourth metacarpal base fractures [8].
  • A coronal fracture of the body of the hamate is described as an unusual entity [42].

Classification Systems

  • The Kim and Shin (2012) classification system for ring and little finger CMC joint fracture subluxations is based on 2D CT images [36].
  • A new classification system for ring and little finger CMC joint fracture subluxations based on 3D CT images has been proposed [36].

Clinical Presentation

Epidemiology and Prevalence

  • Hamate fractures, including hook fractures and body fractures, account for 2–4% of all carpal fractures [22].
  • Injuries to the body of the hamate, especially those involving the little finger metacarpal articulation, are likely more common than reported [2].
  • CMC joint fracture dislocation from the second to fifth finger is an extremely rare injury [4].
  • Carpometacarpal dislocations of the hand with a simultaneous fracture of the hamate occur in less than 1% of osseous hand injuries [37].

Mechanism of Injury

  • Coronal hamate body fractures with CMC instability frequently present as dorsal oblique patterns following punching injuries [8].
  • The most common mechanism of injury for CMC dislocations with simultaneous hamate fracture is hyperflexion of the metacarpal heads [37].
  • An axial load to the fourth and fifth metacarpal heads secondary to a clenched-fist blow is often cited as a mechanism for these injuries [48].

Clinical Findings and Diagnostic Challenges

  • CMC joint fracture dislocation from the second to fifth finger requires thorough clinical examination and radiological assessment [4].
  • Isolated palmar ulnar dislocation of the fifth CMC joint is a rare injury with subtle radiographic findings that may be easily overlooked [54].
  • Applying a high index of suspicion and performing a good clinical examination play a prominent role in recognizing CMC dislocations with associated hamate fractures [37].
  • Fractures of the hook of the hamate often go unrecognized [9].
  • The diagnosis of carpometacarpal dislocations must be considered even though they are rare [27].

Radiographic Assessment

  • Bora and Didizian recommended an anteroposterior (AP) view with the forearm pronated 30 degrees from the fully supinated position for diagnosing fifth CMC injuries [24].
  • The diagnosis of fifth CMC injuries can also be made by CT or a Brewerton view [24].
  • Kim et al. reported that three-dimensional CT reformatted views have higher interobserver and intraobserver reliability than standard two-dimensional CT [24].
  • Standard radiographs should be supplemented with three-quarter and strict profile views for diagnosing carpometacarpal dislocations [27].
  • Where a hamate fracture is suspected, an oblique x-ray view should be considered as part of the initial diagnostic investigations [26].
  • Both the 2-5 IMA and the 3-5 IMA are useful screening measurements on lateral hand radiographs for detection of ulnar-sided carpometacarpal fracture-dislocations [56].

Associated Injuries and Complications

  • Fractures of the hook of the hamate can lead to non-trivial tendon complications, such as flexor digitorum profundus rupture [9].
  • Delayed ulnar-nerve palsy can occur following a fracture of the hamate due to extraneural fibrosis [25].
  • It is important to assess ulnar-nerve function at the time of injury and follow patients closely for possible development of delayed symptoms [25].

Investigations

Radiographic Assessment

  • Standard radiographs for carpometacarpal dislocations should be supplemented with three-quarter and strict profile views [27].
  • A true lateral radiograph is required for accurate diagnosis of carpometacarpal fracture-dislocations because swelling can obscure the deformity [82].
  • Loss of parallel joint surfaces at the carpometacarpal articulations on a posteroanterior radiograph is indicative of carpometacarpal fracture-dislocation [82].
  • An oblique x-ray view should be considered as part of the initial diagnostic investigations when a hamate fracture is suspected [26].
  • Radiographs of the hand in 60° of pronation from the lateral are recommended if there is suspicion for a fifth carpometacarpal subluxation or dislocation [29].
  • The relative metacarpal shortening (RMS) is a radiographic measurement with almost perfect agreement between reviewers that is increased in fourth and fifth carpometacarpal fracture dislocations [40].
  • Both the 2-5 intermetacarpal angle (IMA) and the 3-5 IMA are useful screening measurements on lateral hand radiographs for detection of ulnar-sided carpometacarpal fracture-dislocations [56].
  • Isolated palmar ulnar dislocation of the fifth carpometacarpal joint has subtle radiographic findings that may be easily overlooked [54].
  • Hamato-metacarpal injuries often present with subtle radiographic findings, and the extent of injury is often not appreciated [11].
  • Fracture-dislocation of the metacarpal bases is often not recognized due to swelling and metacarpal overlap on lateral plain films [82].

Advanced Imaging

  • A CT scan is beneficial to determine the extent of joint surface involvement and to guide appropriate intervention for carpometacarpal fracture-dislocations [82].
  • 3D-CT allows for precise analysis of the injury pattern and better surgical planning for hamatometacarpal fracture-dislocations [55].
  • Careful evaluation of intraoperative and postoperative imaging, particularly CT, is important to detect rare persistent palmar trapezoid dislocations that may be missed on standard radiographs [99].

Clinical Examination and Diagnostic Considerations

  • CMC joint fracture dislocation from second to fifth finger requires thorough clinical examination and radiological assessment [4].
  • Delayed diagnosis makes closed reduction difficult and was associated with less favorable radiographic outcome for carpometacarpal fracture-dislocations [60].

Treatment

Operative Management: Hamate Fractures

  • Surgical treatment of coronal plane hamate fractures associated with fourth and fifth metacarpal base fracture-dislocations can provide good functional recovery [1].
  • Open reduction and internal fixation of the hamate body fracture with interfragmentary screws, combined with stabilization of the CMC dislocation with percutaneous Kirschner wires, showed favorable outcomes [3].
  • In cases of five CMC joint dislocations associated with a hamate body fracture, the hamate fracture should be addressed with open reduction and internal fixation prior to proceeding with reduction and pinning of the CMC joints [10].
  • Open reduction and internal fixation is the most reliable form of treatment when fracture of the body of the hamate occurs with wide separation of the fracture surfaces [17].
  • Open reduction and internal fixation with K-wires is recommended for intra-articular fractures of the hamate in an attempt to reconstruct the articular surface [13].
  • Undisplaced coronal hamate fractures may be treated conservatively with good results, while displaced fractures or those with associated metacarpal subluxation are better treated with open reduction and internal fixation to minimize residual deformity and dysfunction [63].
  • Dorsal drilling of coronal hamate fractures appears to be safe, as volar drill tips are well away from ulnar nerve motor and sensory branches [58].
  • When a hamate shear fracture is a single fragment, screw fixation of the hamate fragment to the body serves to treat both the fracture and the dislocation [24].

Operative Management: Carpometacarpal Fracture-Dislocations

  • Operative management of CMC fracture dislocations results in good-to-excellent functional outcomes despite relatively high surgical complication rates [12].
  • Simple closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation of the fifth metacarpal to the fourth metacarpal or carpus is advocated to maintain reduction when closed reduction may be unstable [24].
  • Open reduction and buttress plate application has been demonstrated to successfully reduce the fracture while maintaining the mobility of the ulnar-sided CMC joints by not securing the distal end of the plate to the metacarpal [24].
  • Fracture-dislocations of the fourth and fifth metacarpal joints associated with comminuted dorsal hamate fractures or coronal fractures through the hamate are particularly unstable and thus open reduction is uniformly necessary [24].
  • Surgical treatment using a suture button implant for delayed ulnar carpometacarpal fracture-dislocations allowed early motion from 2 weeks after surgery, resulting in good motion of the ulnar CMC joints and increased hand grip [43].
  • Stabilized arthroplasty for old fracture dislocations of the fifth carpometacarpal joint provides better mobility than arthrodesis and restores metacarpal length better than nonstabilized resectional arthroplasty [57].

Non-Operative Management

  • If the diagnosis of an ulnar CMC joint dislocation or fracture–dislocation is early accomplished and a concentric and stable reduction is initially achieved, nonoperative treatment may be a successful option requiring close follow-up for the first week [20].
  • Conservative treatment through immediate reduction and splint immobilization can be sufficient for acute, uncomplicated ulnar CMC dislocations [102].
  • A patient with an ulnopalmar fifth carpometacarpal joint dislocation was successfully treated by nonoperative means [100].

Diagnostic Considerations for Treatment Planning

  • The diagnosis of carpometacarpal dislocations must be considered even though they are rare, and standard radiographs should be supplemented with three-quarter and strict profile views [27].
  • Radiographs of the hand in 60° of pronation from the lateral are recommended if there is suspicion for a fifth CMC subluxation or dislocation [29].
  • Bora and Didizian have recommended an anteroposterior (AP) view with the forearm pronated 30 degrees from the fully supinated position to diagnose fifth CMC injuries [24].
  • Three-dimensional CT reformatted views have a higher interobserver and intraobserver reliability than standard two-dimensional CT for diagnosing these injuries [24].

Complications

Missed Diagnosis and Diagnostic Challenges

  • The authors believe that where a hamate fracture is suspected, an oblique x-ray view should be considered as part of the initial diagnostic investigations [26].

Bony Complications

  • Fractures of the hook of the hamate, although rare, can lead to non-trivial tendon complications [9].
  • The complication of tendon rupture not uncommonly follows basilar hook of the hamate fractures [89].
  • Tendon rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus of the little finger can occur secondary to hamate non-union [9].
  • Postoperatively, extension of the fingers remained poor for over 3 months in a case of unusual carpometacarpal fracture-dislocation [34].

Neurological Complications

  • It is important to assess ulnar-nerve function at the time of injury and follow patients closely for possible development of delayed symptoms of ulnar nerve palsy [25].

Surgical Complications

  • In a case series of 11 patients treated with open reduction and buttress plate application for fifth metacarpal-hamate fracture-dislocations, five patients (45%) required a second surgery for hardware removal [24].

Recovery

Functional Outcomes

  • Six months after injury, finger and wrist motions were equal bilaterally, and measured grip strength was equal in both hands [51].
  • Five years and two months postoperatively, radiographs showed anatomical positioning of the metacarpals and degenerative arthritis of the carpometacarpal joints was not observed [39].

Complications and Risks

  • Fractures of the hook of the hamate can lead to non-trivial tendon complications, such as flexor digitorum profundus rupture of the little finger secondary to non-union [9].
  • Postoperatively, extension of the fingers remained poor for over 3 months in a reported case of carpometacarpal fracture-dislocation [34].

Recovery Timeline and Monitoring

  • Nonoperative treatment of ulnar CMC joint dislocations or fracture-dislocations requires close follow-up for the first week if a concentric and stable reduction is initially achieved [20].

Key Evidence

  • [L4] The surgical treatment of coronal plane hamate fractures associated with the fourth and fifth metacarpal base fracture-dislocations can provide good functional recovery in these complex fractures. [1] (10.52312/jdrs.2025.1997)
  • [L5] Injuries to the body of the hamate, especially involving the little finger metacarpal articulation, are likely more common than reported and should be recognized. [2] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.08.026)
  • [Paper] The study showed favorable outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation of the hamate body fracture with interfragmentary screws, when combined with stabilization of the CMC dislocation with percutaneous Kirschner wires. [3] (10.1055/s-0039-1692326)
  • [L4] CMC joint fracture dislocation from second to fifth finger is an extremely rare injury that needs thorough clinical examination and radiological assessment. [4] (10.4055/cios.2015.7.4.430)
  • [L5] Successful treatment of coronal hamate fractures requires identification and treatment of associated disruption or instability of the ulnar 2 carpometacarpal joints. [5] (10.1016/j.hcl.2012.05.010)
  • [L5] The risks to not detecting a hamate body fracture are nonunion of the bone, posttraumatic arthritis, decreased grip strength, and decreased range of motion of the hand. [6] (10.1016/j.ajem.2014.03.050)
  • [L5] It was successfully treated by open reduction and fixation of the hook of the hamate fracture and stabilization of the carpometacarpal joint. [7] (10.1016/s0266-7681(96)80043-x)
  • [L4] Coronal hamate body fractures with CMC instability frequently presented as dorsal oblique patterns following punching injuries and were commonly associated with fourth metacarpal base fractures. [8] (10.1007/s00402-026-06366-5)
  • [L5] Fractures of the hook of the hamate often go unrecognized, although rare, they can lead to non-trivial tendon complications. [9] (10.1016/j.main.2014.10.147)
  • [Case_report] In cases of five CMC joint dislocations associated with a hamate body fracture, the authors recommend addressing the hamate fracture with open reduction and internal fixation prior to proceeding with reduction and pinning of the CMC joints. [10] (10.1177/1558944716668860)
  • [L4] Hamato-metacarpal injuries are uncommon and radiographic findings are often subtle, with the extent of injury often not appreciated. [11] (10.1016/s0266-7681(05)80063-4)
  • [L4] Despite relatively high surgical complication rates, operative management of CMC fracture dislocations results in good-to-excellent functional outcomes. [12] (10.1016/j.jhsg.2024.11.003)
  • [L5] Intra-articular fractures of the hamate are uncommon injuries and we would recommend open reduction and internal fixation with K-wires in an attempt to reconstruct the articular surface. [13] (10.1016/0020-1383(93)90187-b)
  • [L4] Patients who sustain hamate fractures have minimal functional deficits whether managed operatively or nonsurgically. [14] (10.1016/j.jhsg.2024.02.002)
  • [L4] Operative treatment with headless compression screws is a safe procedure with good clinical outcomes for acute dislocated hamate corpus fractures and nondisplaced fractures of the hook of the hamate bone. [15] (10.1055/s-0039-1695765)
  • [Paper] It is important to diagnose and treat the Carpometacarpal joint dislocation to avoid considerable morbidity associated with it. [16] (10.1007/s12593-010-0018-3)
  • [L5] The author believes that when fracture of the body of the hamate occurs with wide separation of the fracture surfaces, the most reliable form of treatment is open reduction and internal fixation. [17] (10.1016/s0363-5023(83)80181-6)
  • [L5] Treating physicians need to maintain a high index of suspicion regarding lesser digit carpometacarpal joint fracture-dislocations as delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to a suboptimal outcome. [18] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2026.02.016)
  • [L4] If the diagnosis of an ulnar CMC joint dislocation or fracture–dislocation is early accomplished and a concentric and stable reduction is initially achieved, the nonoperative treatment may be a successful option to take into account but requiring a close follow-up for the first week. [20] (10.1055/s-0039-1688468)
  • [L4] [22] (10.3205/iprs000131)
  • [L5] Carpometacarpal joint dislocations and fracture dislocations are uncommon injuries that can be very disabling if not recognized early. [23] (10.5435/jaaos-d-25-00583)
  • [L4] Delayed ulnar-nerve palsy can occur following a fracture of the hamate due to extraneural fibrosis, and it is important to assess ulnar-nerve function at the time of injury and follow patients closely for possible development of delayed symptoms. [25] (10.2106/00004623-196850030-00017)
  • [Case_report] The authors believe that where a hamate fracture is suspected, an oblique x-ray view should be considered as part of the initial diagnostic investigations. [26] (10.1186/1749-799x-5-64)
  • [L5] The diagnosis of carpometacarpal dislocations must be considered even though they are rare, and standard radiographs should be supplemented with three-quarter and strict profile views. [27] (10.1016/s1297-3203(01)00065-8)
  • [Case_report] Dorsal buttress plating between the hamate and the capitate could be an alternative technique for the treatment of fracture-dislocation of the fifth CMC joint with avulsion fracture of the hamate. [28] (10.1007/s00402-018-3072-0)
  • [L4] The authors recommend obtaining radiographs of the hand in 60° of pronation from the lateral if there is suspicion for a fifth CMC subluxation or dislocation. [29] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.04.012)
  • [L5] This is a rare hand injury that requires careful radiological assessment and meticulous, stable reduction. [30] (10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108417)
  • [L4] Fracture of the body of the hamate is a more common injury presenting to accident and emergency departments than previously described, especially in young adults. [32] (10.1016/0020-1383(91)90129-3)
  • [L5] Postoperatively recovery of the wrist was rapid, though extension of the fingers remained poor for over 3 months. [34] (10.1016/0020-1383(94)90161-9)
  • [L4] [36] (10.1177/1753193415602589)
  • [L5] [37] (10.1155/2020/2861604)
  • [L5] Five years and two months postoperatively, radiographs showed anatomical positioning of the metacarpals and degenerative arthritis of the carpometacarpal joints was not observed. [39] (10.1016/s0020-1383(97)82145-6)
  • [L4] The relative metacarpal shortening (RMS) is a radiographic measurement with almost perfect agreement between reviewers and is increased in fourth and fifth carpometacarpal fracture dislocations. [40] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2025.08.011)
  • [L4] In patients with delayed presentation of CMC fracture dislocations, we recommend ORIF. [41] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2015.07.017)
  • [L5] A coronal fracture of the body of the hamate is described. [42] (10.1016/s0363-5023(88)80139-4)
  • [L4] The surgical treatment using a suture button implant allowed early motion from 2 weeks after surgery, which resulted in good motion of the ulnar CMC joints and increased hand grip. [43] (10.1055/s-0039-1693051)
  • [Paper] [48] (10.1016/j.hcl.2011.05.010)
  • [L5] Six months after injury, finger and wrist motions were equal bilaterally, and measured grip strength was equal in both hands. [51] (10.1016/s0363-5023(84)80020-9)
  • [L4] Isolated palmar ulnar dislocation of the fifth CMC joint is a rare injury with subtle radiographic findings that may be easily overlooked. [54] (10.1007/s004029900111)
  • [L5] Hamatometacarpal fracture-dislocations can easily go unnoticed, leading to pain and decreased grip strength. 3D-CT allows for precise analysis of the injury pattern and better surgical planning. [55] (10.1016/j.main.2006.12.001)
  • [L4] Both the 2-5 IMA and the 3-5 IMA are useful screening measurements on lateral hand radiographs for detection of ulnar-sided carpometacarpal fracture-dislocations. [56] (10.1016/s0363-5023(11)60044-0)
  • [L5] Compared with the more commonly used operative procedures, stabilized arthroplasty provides a better mobility than arthrodesis and restores metacarpal length better than nonstabilized resectional arthroplasty. [57] (10.1097/bth.0b013e3181aa25c4)
  • [L5] Dorsal drilling of coronal hamate fractures appears to be safe, as volar drill tips are well away from ulnar nerve motor and sensory branches. [58] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.04.023)
  • [L4] Delayed diagnosis makes closed reduction difficult and was associated with less favorable radiographic outcome. [60] (10.1177/1558944719852743)
  • [L4] Undisplaced fractures may be treated conservatively with good results, while displaced fractures or those with associated metacarpal subluxation are better treated with open reduction and internal fixation to minimize residual deformity and dysfunction. [63] (10.1177/1753193408098907)
  • [L5] A force acting along the longitudinal axis of the fifth metacarpal causes a fracture dislocation at the base of the bone in a dorsal-ulnar direction, because of the anatomy of the joint and the mechanical properties of the bone and the intermetacarpal ligament. [80] (10.1016/s0363-5023(79)80070-2)
  • [Paper] The overall mobility of the 2nd and 3rd CMC joints is limited compared with the 4th and 5th CMC joints. [88] (10.1053/jhsu.2001.28761)
  • [L4] The complication of tendon rupture not uncommonly follows basilar hook of the hamate fractures. [89] (10.1016/0363-5023(90)90147-j)
  • [L5] The study found more variability and often multiple distinct joint surfaces or facets forming the articulations between adjacent MCs and/or adjacent distal carpal bones. [90] (10.1053/jhsu.2001.26329)
  • [L5] The mechanism of injury is believed to be traction force through the transverse carpal ligament caused by a flattening of the transverse carpal arch. [92] (10.1016/s0363-5023(86)80007-7)
  • [L4] Carpometacarpal dislocations are uncommon and prone to wrist instability if not treated promptly. [94] (10.1016/j.otsr.2016.04.003)
  • [L4] This report highlights the importance of careful evaluation of intraoperative and postoperative imaging, particularly CT, to detect rare persistent palmar trapezoid dislocations that may be missed on standard radiographs. [99] (10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100769)
  • [L5] A patient with an ulnopalmar fifth carpometacarpal joint dislocation was successfully treated by nonoperative means. [100] (10.1016/s0363-5023(86)80189-7)
  • [L4] Although operative treatment is recommended in the literature, these cases show that conservative treatment through immediate reduction and splint immobilization can be sufficient for acute, uncomplicated ulnar CMC dislocations. [102] (10.1007/s11552-011-9347-3)

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[13] Intra-articular fractures of the hamate. Injury. 1993. DOI: 10.1016/0020-1383(93)90187-b

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