Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome: Apropos of Six Cases and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is a rather rare condition and is a term used to describe an aneurysm or thrombosis of the ulnar artery. It is considered an occupational or recreational injury and is usually a result of a repetitive trauma to the hypothenar region where the unique anatomy of the Guyon canal allows arterial injury. HHS is one of the less common causes of symptomatic ischemia of the upper extremity. The aim of this article is to describe our experience with six patients. Presenting signs, symptoms, differential diagnoses, and literature review of this probably underdiagnosed syndrome are described. There are two pathologic entities: the aneurysmal type and the thrombotic type. Although most authors recommend watchful observation for the thrombotic type, reconstructive surgery is the treatment of choice for the aneurysmal type.