• M Schneider, A Creutzig, and K Alexander.
• Abteilung Angiologie, Zentrum Innere Medizin und Dermatologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover.
• Med Klin. 1995 Apr 15; 90 (4): 225-8.

BackgroundThe 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.PatientsSix patients with HHS are presented. In four cases occupational activities were most probable cause for HHS, in two patients sport activities.DiagnosisClinical 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.TherapyAvoiding the releasing cause is main part in therapy of HHS. Only in few patients special medical treatment is indicated.ConclusionPositive evidence of causal relationship between occupational exposure and appearance of HHS has to be acknowledged as occupational disease.

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