Cherry pitter's thumb. Case report and review of the literature

Perineural fibrosis and scarring of the digital nerves in the hand can result from chronic compression and repetitive trauma. The digital nerves in the thumb have been reported to undergo these changes as a result of such trauma from bowling and the use of fine instruments by a jeweler. This article describes a case of digital neuropathy of the thumb resulting from a cherry-pitting instrument. A protective neoprene thumb sleeve and avoidance of further trauma to the nerves relieved the patient's symptoms.