Hand ischemia in active patients: detecting and treating hypothenar hammer syndrome

Occlusion of the palmar arch vessels is rare, but it can occur in athletes and workers who subject their hands to repeated blunt trauma or gripping activities. A case report examines a baseball player who presented with classic symptoms of hypothenar hammer syndrome (occlusion of the ulnar artery due to repetitive blunt trauma); evaluation also identified radial artery occlusion. Occlusive symptoms include pain, cold intolerance, and numbness. The diagnosis rests on evaluating the patency of the palmar arches. Conservative treatment involves rest, tobacco avoidance, and medications. Patients who have severe arterial compromise require resection and reconstruction.