Palmaris brevis spasm syndrome in manual workers using vibratory tools

Area of Science:

• Occupational Medicine
• Neurology
• Hand Surgery

Background:

• Palmaris brevis spasm syndrome (PBSS) is characterized by benign muscle hyperactivity, leading to recurrent spasms and hypothenar eminence dimpling.
• The condition has not been previously documented in individuals exposed to manual labor or vibratory tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first known cases of Palmaris brevis spasm syndrome in manual workers.
• To highlight the potential association between PBSS and occupational exposures, particularly hand-arm vibration.

Main Methods:

• Diagnosis of PBSS was made during routine health surveillance for hand-arm vibration syndrome.
• Clinical observation of characteristic muscle spasm and hypothenar dimpling, supported by photographic evidence.

Main Results:

• Two cases of PBSS were identified in manual workers, representing the first reported instances in this demographic.
• One patient reported increased spasm frequency correlating with periods of heightened manual work.
• Functional impairment was minimal, limited to the brief duration of spasm attacks.

Conclusions:

• PBSS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hand cramps among workers exposed to manual labor and vibration.
• The frequency of PBSS in this occupational group remains unknown due to limited reporting.
• There is currently no established treatment protocol for Palmaris brevis spasm syndrome.