Hamate Bone, Anterior View

Description

Oriented in anatomical position, the carpus is presented with the hamate highlighted on the ulnar side of the distal carpal row, distal to the triquetrum and medial to the capitate. An anterior (palmar) view brings the hamulus (hook of hamate) into profile as it projects distally and slightly radially toward the bases of the fourth and fifth metacarpals. Surrounding landmarks include the metacarpals fanning distally to the proximal, middle, and distal phalanges (two phalanges in the thumb), with the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints aligned in series. Palmar anatomy at the hamate matters because the hook defines the ulnar border of the carpal tunnel and forms the radial wall of Guyon’s canal, where the ulnar nerve and artery pass into the hand. Hook of hamate fractures, often from a golf club, bat, or racket handle, can irritate the ulnar nerve, reduce grip strength, and present with hypothenar pain that may be missed on standard radiographs, prompting carpal tunnel view radiographs or CT. Clear identification of the hamulus also supports teaching of flexor retinaculum attachments and the relationship of the flexor tendons to the distal carpal row. A small bone, big consequences. Use this artwork for hand and wrist modules in gross anatomy and radiographic anatomy courses, for orthopaedic and sports medicine texts discussing ulnar-sided wrist pain, or for patient-facing materials explaining hook of hamate injury and Guyon canal symptoms. It also fits operative planning figures for ulnar nerve decompression at the wrist and for anatomical overviews in hand therapy resources. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.