Haematogenous pseudomonas osteomyelitis of the hamate – treatment by radical debridement and bone grafting

Summary A case of isolated chronic osteomyelitis of the hamate bone in a 13-year-old boy, who presented with a sinus on the dorsum of the hand, is reported. Radiological examination revealed multiple marginal and intra-osseous lytic areas with sclerotic rims in the hamate and at the fourth and fifth metacarpal bases. He was treated with excision of the sinus, curettage of the hamate lesion and hamato–metacarpal fusion which provided satisfactory control of infection while salvaging the function of the affected hand.