Towson Orthopaedic Associates

1 day ago

As Opening Day approaches and roster decisions take shape, hamate fractures are once again part of the baseball conversation.

In Episode 2 of our Inside the Injury series, Dr. Elizabeth Langhammer of Towson Orthopaedic Associates explains why this injury so commonly affects hitters. In baseball, hook of the hamate fractures almost always occur in the nondominant hand during the terminal phase of a swing. When the bat makes contact with the ball, force travels through the rigid handle directly into the palm—concentrating stress over the hook of the hamate.

Dr. Langhammer highlights how grip style, swing mechanics, and even check swings can significantly increase peak pressure on this small but critical wrist bone. Players may sustain an acute fracture from a single high-force event or develop a chronic stress injury from repetitive trauma over time—making hitters far more susceptible than pitchers or other position players.

At Towson Orthopaedic Associates, we are proudly serving Towson, Baltimore, Baltimore County, and surrounding communities with expert sports medicine care designed to keep athletes performing at their highest level.

📞 Call (410) 337-7900
🔗 Click the link in our bio

#TowsonOrthopaedicAssociates #toaexperts #inside_the_injury #sportsmedicine #BaseballInjury #handinjury ... See MoreSee Less

Towson Orthopaedic Associates

3 days ago

As Opening Day approaches, teams across professional baseball are finalizing their Injured Lists—and one injury that continues to surface is a hook of the hamate fracture.

In the first episode of our Inside the Injury series, Dr. Teri McCambridge of Towson Orthopaedic Associates breaks down what athletes and active individuals need to know about this wrist injury. The hamate bone plays a critical role in grip strength and wrist stability, particularly for baseball players whose bottom hand absorbs repeated pressure from the bat. When the hook of the hamate fractures, athletes may experience ulnar-sided wrist pain, numbness in the ring and small fingers, and decreased grip strength.

Dr. McCambridge explains how this injury occurs, why it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, and the treatment options available—from immobilization and casting to surgical excision that can help high-level athletes return to play more quickly.

At Towson Orthopaedic Associates, we are proudly serving Towson, Baltimore, Baltimore County, and surrounding communities with expert sports medicine care to keep athletes strong, healthy, and in the game.

📞 Call (410) 337-7900
🔗 Click the link in our bio

#TowsonOrthopaedicAssociates #toaexperts #inside_the_injury #sportsmedicine #BaseballInjury #wristinjury ... See MoreSee Less