Wrist and hand

Hook of the hamate

Hamulus ossis hamati

How to find it

Place your thumb on the pisiform and point it towards the base of the index finger. About a centimetre along that line, press deep into the palm until you meet a small hard projection.

What you use it for

With the pisiform it forms Guyon's canal, through which the ulnar nerve passes. A hook fracture occurs in golf and tennis and is often missed on a plain film.

On the bone

Hamate

Body region

Wrist and hand