Hamate bone Wrist". The calcification of the unciform bone is seen on X-rays during puberty and is sometimes used in orthodontics to determine if an adolescent patient is suitable for orthognathic intervention (i.e. before or at their growth spurt). The etymology derives from the Latin "hamatus" "hooked," from "hamus" which means "hook". Hamate bone The hamate bone or unciform bone (from Latin "uncus", "hook") is a bone in the human wrist readily distinguishable by its wedge shape and a hook-like process ("hamulus") projecting from its palmar surface. The hamate is an irregularly shaped carpal bone found within the hand. The hamate is
Carpal bones proximal row (comprising scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum) articulates with the surfaces of the radius and distal carpal row, and thus constantly adapts to these mobile surfaces. Within the proximal row, each carpal bone has slight independent mobility. For example, the scaphoid contributes to midcarpal stability by articulating distally with the trapezium and the trapezoid. In contrast, the distal row is more rigid as its transverse arch moves with the metacarpals. Biomechanically and clinically, the carpal bones are better conceptualized as three longitudinal columns: In this context the pisiform is regarded as a sesamoid bone embedded in the tendon of the