new york yankees outfielder andrew benintendi fractures wrist
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andrew benintendi may miss rest of the season with the yankees for fractured wrist. (photo by jim mcisaac/getty images)
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new york yankees outfielder andrew benintendi’s season may be over after fracturing his right hamate bone in a 2-1 loss to the tampa rays.
beninteni was put on the injured list after suffering from wrist inflammation. he appeared to have been injured while swinging at a pitch from the rays’ jeffrey springs.
it’s still too early to determine if benintendi will be back before the yankees playoff start in early october.
“it’s all too early to say right now, obviously,” benintendi told the associated press. “we’re still trying to learn some more things. that’s what it is right now. just take it day by day at this point right now, i guess.”
benintendi may miss rest of the season with the yankees for fractured wrist
the hamate bone is a small bone towards the top of the hand that has a distinct hook shape.
the outfielder had previously had surgery to remove the hook during his freshman year of college for the university of arkansas razorbacks. damage to this part of the hamate bone is rare in the general population but often seen in elite athletes in sports involving use of bats, clubs and rackets. this is because of the compressions/sheering force applied to the wrist when forcefully swinging the bat.
“i don’t really know about bones or anything like that,” benintendi said. “so, i’m just listening to what they’re telling me. i didn’t know you could grow another bone or whatever it may be.”
benenteni’s college surgery took only a few weeks to recover from, something he hopes will happen again.
“when i went through this before, it was right around a couple of weeks,” benintendi said. “we’ll see what happens. obviously, i want to get back out there in time for the latter part of the season and then, hopefully, the playoffs. it’s all too early to say right now.”
the former all-star has 14 runs, he’s hitting .304, and an obp of .331 so far this season. he also has 12 rbis in 33 games for the yankees this year.
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what is the hamate bone, and how does it get injured?
the hamate bone is a small bone near the wrist that is shaped like a hook. the bone’s purpose is to help support the other parts of the hand.
injuries to the bone itself are rare, usually occurring in athletes where a player has to continuously grip and swing an object, such as golf, baseball, or hockey. more common injuries to the area are related to carpal bones, which form the structure of the middle of the hand.
the bone itself is not related to carpal tunnel syndrome, as that is a condition in which the nerves surrounding and in between the bones are pinched.
what happens in hamate surgery?
according to a study published in the national library of medicine, most hamate bone surgeries are relatively straightforward and simple. however, there is a chance that complications such as nerve dysfunction can happen.
hamate bone injuries can lead to damage in the ulnar nerve, which runs from the hand to the elbow. the ulnar nerve is what gives that uncomfortable tingle when you hit your funny bone.
usually, patients can recover from hamate surgery in about 6-8 weeks, although athletes looking to return to the field may choose to be more careful and either wait closer to 12 weeks, or wear a brace while playing.
typically, the earlier an athlete undergoes hamate surgery, the easier their recovery will be. depending on the type of fracture or break, a cast may need to be worn as well for up to six weeks.
chris arnold is a toronto-based writer.
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