Vol 12, No 4 (2006)
Case reports
Published online: 2006-11-24
Hypothenar hammer syndrome complicated by critical finger ischaemia in a fight sports instructor
Joanna Kluz, Rafał Małecki, Rajmund Adamiec
Acta Angiologica 2006;12(4):180-186.
Vol 12, No 4 (2006)
Case reports
Published online: 2006-11-24
Abstract
Hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is a rare entity of arterial insufficiency to the hand and is seen in
patients, especially men, with a history of repetitive blunt trauma to the hypothenar eminence. It is characterized
by unilateral digital ischaemia of the dominating hand, which spares the thumb, with the most often
manifestations being pain, paresthesias and cold intolerance. In advanced cases trophic skin changes and
necrosis of the fingertips may develop. The diagnosis is verified by angiography, showing thrombosis or aneurysm
of the distal ulnar artery. Treatment and prevention of HHS consists mainly of hand protection against
mechanical injury and cessation of smoking. Anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, surgical revascularization and
cervical sympathectomy may be useful in its management. Here we present the case of a fight sports instructor
with critical right hand ischaemia in the course of HHS, in whom early diagnosis and treatment enabled
almost complete remission of changes.
Abstract
Hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is a rare entity of arterial insufficiency to the hand and is seen in
patients, especially men, with a history of repetitive blunt trauma to the hypothenar eminence. It is characterized
by unilateral digital ischaemia of the dominating hand, which spares the thumb, with the most often
manifestations being pain, paresthesias and cold intolerance. In advanced cases trophic skin changes and
necrosis of the fingertips may develop. The diagnosis is verified by angiography, showing thrombosis or aneurysm
of the distal ulnar artery. Treatment and prevention of HHS consists mainly of hand protection against
mechanical injury and cessation of smoking. Anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, surgical revascularization and
cervical sympathectomy may be useful in its management. Here we present the case of a fight sports instructor
with critical right hand ischaemia in the course of HHS, in whom early diagnosis and treatment enabled
almost complete remission of changes.
Keywords
hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS); ulnar artery thrombosis; digital ischaemia; fight sports
Title
Hypothenar hammer syndrome complicated by critical finger ischaemia in a fight sports instructor
Journal
Acta Angiologica
Issue
Vol 12, No 4 (2006)
Pages
180-186
Published online
2006-11-24
Bibliographic record
Acta Angiologica 2006;12(4):180-186.
Keywords
hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS)
ulnar artery thrombosis
digital ischaemia
fight sports
Authors
Joanna Kluz
Rafał Małecki
Rajmund Adamiec
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