Hamate

Description

Normal anatomy of the carpal bones. Diagram of the wrist (frontal view) shows the eight carpal bones and the three carpal arcs (Gilula arcs), which are shown as pink (arc I), blue (arc II), and red (arc III) lines. C (capitate), H (hamate), L (lunate), P (pisiform), S (scaphoid), Tm (trapezium), Td (trapezoid), Tr (triquetrum)

Wrist radiograph with carpal bones labeled

General

• A part of the distal carpal row and has a characteristic hook on its palmar surface.
• Resting on the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones.

Anatomic Description

• The superior surface is narrow, convex and articulates with the Lunate.
• The inferior surface is concave and articulates with the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones.
• The dorsal surface is triangular and rough for ligamentous attachment.
• The medial surface articulates with the Cuneiform bone.
• The lateral surface articulates with the Capitate.

Articulations

• Lunate articulates with proximal margin.
• The fourth and fifth metacarpals articulate with the base distally.
• Triquetrum articulates with medial surface.
• Capitate articulates with lateral surface.
• Hook of the Hamate is distal and radial in relation to the Pisiform.

Ligament Attachments

• Transverse carpal ligament
• Piso-hamate ligament
• Triquetro-hamate ligament
• Capito-hamate ligament

Vascular Supply

• Radial Artery

Innervation

• Anterior interosseous branch of the median nerve
• Posterior interosseous branch of the radial nerve
• Dorsal and the deep branches of the ulnar nerve

Hook of Hamate

• Serves as an attachment point for Transverse Carpal Ligament
• Makes up the medial border of Carpal Tunnel

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Clinical Significance

• Hamate Fracture

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See Also

• Hand and Wrist Anatomy (Main)
• Hand And Wrist Anatomy
• Wrist Pain (Main)

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