Hook of hamate pull test.

Hook of hamate fractures are often missed despite a distinct history. The purpose of this report was to describe a specific physical examination test that is diagnostic for a hook of hamate fracture, the hook of hamate pull test. It is highly sensitive and was positive in a consecutive series of 5 patients treated for a hook of hamate fracture. These patients also had a distinctive history of playing racket- or club-type sports and presented with longstanding wrist or palm pain.