Hamate

Function

Hooked carpal of the ulnar distal row. Its hook forms the lateral wall of Guyon's canal and the medial border of the carpal tunnel, anchoring the flexor retinaculum, flexor digiti minimi and opponens digiti minimi; its base carries the mobile fourth and fifth metacarpals.

Landmarks

• Hook (hamulus)
• Hook forms the lateral wall of Guyon's canal
• Pisiform facet

Articulations (joints)

• Fourth and fifth metacarpals
• Capitate
• Triquetrum

Clinical relevance

Hamate hook fractures occur in golfers, baseball players and racquet athletes — chronic ulnar palm pain; non-union threatens the ulnar nerve in the canal.