Hypothenar hammer syndrome
Hypothenar hammer syndrome is a vascular occlusion in humans in the region of the ulna. It is caused by repetitive trauma to the hand or wrist by the vulnerable portion of the ulnar artery as it passes over the hamate bone, which may result in thrombosis, irregularity or aneurysm formation. HHS is a potentially curable cause of Raynaud's syndrome, distinct from hand–arm vibration syndrome.Diagnosis
A physical examination of the hand may show discoloration, unusual tenderness/ a callous over the hypothenar eminence, and fingertip ulcerations and splinter hemorrhages over ulnar digits; if an aneurysm is present, there may also be a pulsatile mass. Allen's test will be positive if an occlusion is present and negative if an aneurysm is present. An angiogram may show a "corkscrew" ulnar artery or an occlusion or aneurysm at the hook of the hamate.Treatment
Noninvasive treatments have an 80% success rate; surgical options exist for other instances.Epidemiology
HHS, though rare, occurs much more frequently in men than in women and principally affects those in their 40s and 50s.
