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HYPOTHENAR HAMMER SYNDROME
Author(s) -
Little J. M.,
Grant A. F.
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1972.tb106492.x
Subject(s) - medicine , ulnar artery , sympathectomy , arteritis , hammer , surgery , arterial disease , blunt , artery , vascular disease , engineering , radial artery , structural engineering
Four further cases of occlusion of the superficial palmar branch of the ulnar artery secondary to blunt trauma are reported. In each case there was a history of the hand being used as a hammer for a varying period of time. This syndrome has been called the hypothenar hammer syndrome, and is an occupational hazard in many industries. The diagnosis may be confused with other forms of arterial disease, unless the clinical features and occupational history are clearly recognized. The ischæmic symptoms and signs apparently respond well to cervical sympathectomy. There is a need to publicize the risks associated with using the hand as a hammer, particularly in those industries in which this practice is commonplace.