[Traumatically-induced ischemia of the hands]

The widely unknown hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is caused by chronic mechanical trauma; in these cases the hypothenar is used as a tool. This may cause intimal lesions of the ulnar artery usually near the hamate bone resulting in thrombosis or aneurysms.

Six patients with HHS are presented. In four cases occupational activities were most probable cause for HHS, in two patients sport activities.

Clinical examination already indicates insufficient blood supply in the supply area of the ulnar artery. Non invasive methods of examination are doppler measurements of hand arteries and occlusion plethysmography of finger arteries. For differential diagnosis capillaroscopy, laboratory tests and hand arteriography can be necessary.

Avoiding the releasing cause is main part in therapy of HHS. Only in few patients special medical treatment is indicated.

Positive evidence of causal relationship between occupational exposure and appearance of HHS has to be acknowledged as occupational disease.