Functional Outcome following Headless Compression Screw Fixation for Hamate Fractures

Veronique A J I M van Rijckevorsel; Caroline A Selles; Cornelis H van der Vlies; Berry I Cleffken; Niels W L Schep

doi:10.1055/s-0039-1695765

Functional Outcome following Headless Compression Screw Fixation for Hamate Fractures

J Wrist Surg. 2020 Apr;9(2):164-169. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1695765. Epub 2019 Aug 30.

Authors

Veronique A J I M van Rijckevorsel¹, Caroline A Selles¹, Cornelis H van der Vlies¹, Berry I Cleffken¹, Niels W L Schep¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Hand and Trauma Surgery, Maasstad Ziekenhuis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Abstract

Hamate fractures can be treated nonoperatively, with the percutaneous Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation, or with excision of a fractured hook of the hamate. Screw fixation is less popular owing to the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. The aim of this study was to present the functional results of patients with hamate fractures treated with headless compression screws (HCS). The primary outcome was the Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (MHOQ) after at least 4 months of follow-up. Nine patients were included in this retrospective cohort study. A median MHOQ total score of 67% was reported (interquartile range [IQR]: 44-76). No complications were found during follow-up. HCS fixation is a safe alternative to treat hamate fractures with good functional outcome. This is a Level IV study.

Keywords: functional outcome; hamate fracture; headless compression screws; osteosynthesis.