Fractures: hook of hamate: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Fractures: hook of hamate

Sample item

A golfer has ulnar-sided wrist pain after swinging, with tenderness over the hypothenar eminence and difficulty gripping. Which fracture should be suspected, and which structure is at risk?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Hook of hamate fracture with ulnar nerve branch and flexor tendon injury

The hook of the hamate is fractured by the club handle striking the palm in golf, baseball or racquet sports. It is poorly seen on routine films, so a carpal tunnel view or CT is needed. The ulnar nerve and ring and little finger flexor tendons lie adjacent.

Option by option

  • A. Hook of hamate fracture with ulnar nerve branch and flexor tendon injury (correct)

    Correct. Hook of hamate injuries threaten the adjacent ulnar nerve and flexors.

  • B. Capitate fracture with radial nerve injury

    The capitate and radial nerve are not typically involved in this mechanism.

  • C. Pisiform fracture with median nerve injury

    Pisiform fracture is rare and relates to the ulnar side, not the median nerve.

  • D. Trapezium fracture with posterior interosseous nerve injury

    Trapezium fracture does not match the hypothenar tenderness.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is A, Hook of hamate fracture with ulnar nerve branch and flexor tendon injury. The hook of the hamate is fractured by the club handle striking the palm in golf, baseball or racquet sports.

Why is "Capitate fracture with radial nerve injury" not the answer?

The capitate and radial nerve are not typically involved in this mechanism.

Why is "Pisiform fracture with median nerve injury" not the answer?

Pisiform fracture is rare and relates to the ulnar side, not the median nerve.

Why is "Trapezium fracture with posterior interosseous nerve injury" not the answer?

Trapezium fracture does not match the hypothenar tenderness.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures: hook of hamate in Orthopaedics. It is poorly seen on routine films, so a carpal tunnel view or CT is needed. The ulnar nerve and ring and little finger flexor tendons lie adjacent.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Fractures: hook of hamate?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.