Treatment of the hook of hamate fracture with robot navigation: A note on technique

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate a new robotic technique for the fixation of the fracture of the hook of hamate. METHODS: In this retrospective study, six patients who had undergone treatment of the hook of hamate fracture with a new technique using robot navigation were included. Patients were evaluated postoperatively with flexion - extension and radial-ulnar range of wrist motion, and were measured using a goniometer. Grip strength and pinch strength were measured and compared with the contralateral wrist at the final follow-up. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Mayo Wrist Score were used to evaluate and record the recovery outcome of the wrist. RESULTS: Primarily, healing was achieved at 12.3 weeks postoperatively. At the final follow-up (5-22 months, average 13.1 months) the VAS score of the wrist was an average of 0.3 (0-2); the mean radial-ulnar deviation was 64.7°; the average of the flexion and extension range of motion was 141.9°; the average grip strength was 40.9 Kg; the average pinch strength was 11.8 Kg and the average Mayo Wrist Score was 95.8. CONCLUSION: This study has shown us that treatment of nondisplaced or minimal displaced fractures of the hook of the hamate with robot navigation is a viable technique with satisfactory clinical and radiological results.