Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
10:36
Vascularized Composite Hand Allograft Procurement and Preparation for Distal and Proximal Forearm Allotransplantation: A Stepwise Approach
Published on: May 23, 2025
Reconstruction for ulnar artery aneurysm at the wrist
1Curtis National Hand Center, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA. anne.mattson@medstar.net
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|February 1, 2011
Summary
Upper limb arterial aneurysms, often caused by hypothenar hammer syndrome, can be surgically repaired. While reconstruction relieves digital ischemia, cold-related symptoms may persist in some patients.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Arterial aneurysms in the upper limb typically affect the ulnar artery near the wrist.
- Hypothenar hammer syndrome is the primary cause of the arterial trauma leading to these aneurysms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the etiology, surgical management, and outcomes of upper limb arterial aneurysms.
- To highlight persistent symptoms following surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- Review of cases involving ulnar artery aneurysms at the wrist.
- Description of surgical techniques including aneurysm excision and arterial reconstruction using grafts.
- Analysis of patient outcomes, focusing on relief of digital ischemia and residual symptoms.
Main Results:
- Surgical excision of the aneurysm and reconstruction with vein or arterial conduits effectively addresses digital ischemia.
- A significant portion of patients experience persistent cold-related symptoms despite successful arterial reconstruction.
Conclusions:
- Hypothenar hammer syndrome is a common cause of ulnar artery aneurysms requiring surgical repair.
- While arterial reconstruction is effective for ischemia, further management strategies may be needed for persistent cold intolerance.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side of the...
01:12Arteries of the Upper Limbs
The subclavian artery transitions into the axillary artery as it exits the chest and enters the axillary region. This artery is critical for supplying blood to the shoulder area, including the head of the humerus, through the humeral circumflex arteries. As the vessel continues into the upper arm or brachium, it becomes the brachial artery. This artery plays a key role in vascularizing the brachial region and bifurcates at the elbow into several branches. These branches include the deep...
01:26Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
01:09Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...