Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
04:08
Metacarpal Small Incision for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published on: April 5, 2024
Hypothenar hammer syndrome: case report and review
Patrick M Carter1, Patrick A Hollinshead, Jeffrey S Desmond
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|April 17, 2013
Summary
Hypothenar hammer syndrome, a vascular issue from repetitive hand use, can cause pain and numbness. Early diagnosis and treatment, like avoiding aggravating activities, are key to preventing disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Occupational Medicine
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Hypothenar hammer syndrome is a rare vascular overuse injury.
- It results from repetitive hand trauma, compressing the ulnar artery against the hamate bone.
- This damage can lead to vasospasm, thrombus formation, pain, and ischemia.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old male car mechanic presented with chronic right-hand pain, swelling, and paresthesias in the fifth digit.
- Physical examination revealed hypothenar eminence tenderness.
- Duplex ultrasound confirmed ulnar artery dilation and thrombus.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates a classic presentation of hypothenar hammer syndrome.
- Conservative management, including activity modification, led to symptom improvement.
- Prompt identification is crucial for preventing disease progression.
Implications:
- Emergency physicians should consider hypothenar hammer syndrome in patients with relevant occupational history and hand symptoms.
- Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent long-term morbidity.
- Understanding the epidemiology and clinical features aids in effective management.