Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome: rare or underdiagnosed?

M Abudakka; A Pillai; H Al-Khaffaf

doi:10.1016/j.ejvs.2006.02.013

Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome: rare or underdiagnosed?

Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2006 Sep;32(3):257-60. doi: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2006.02.013. Epub 2006 May 11.

Authors

M Abudakka¹, A Pillai, H Al-Khaffaf

Affiliation

¹ Department of Surgery, Burnley General Hospital, Casterton Avenue BB10 2PQ, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, UK.

PMID: 16697225
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2006.02.013

Abstract

Hypothenar hammer Syndrome (HHS) is a condition characterised by digital ischaemia as a result of repetitive trauma to the hypothenar eminence of the hand. It occurs in people who repeatedly use the palm of the hand as a hammer to push, grind or twist objects. It is a curable and a preventable cause of upper digital ischemia. In this report we present a case of HHS and discuss the causes and pathogenesis of this syndrome. We review the incidence, clinical characteristics, differential diagnosis, investigation and treatment.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Aged
Amputation, Surgical
Arterial Occlusive Diseases / diagnosis*
Arterial Occlusive Diseases / etiology
Cumulative Trauma Disorders / diagnosis*
Cumulative Trauma Disorders / pathology
Fingers / blood supply*
Gangrene / surgery
Humans
Ischemia / diagnosis*
Ischemia / etiology
Male
Occupational Diseases / diagnosis*
Syndrome
Ulnar Artery* / injuries
Ulnar Artery* / pathology