The main objectives of this case report are to describe a representative example of hypothenar hammer syndrome and review common aspects of this clinical entity.
We describe the case of a 71-year-old man working as a car mechanic who presented with right-hand pain of several months¡¯ duration that was noted to have swelling and pain over the hypothenar eminence with associated paresthesias of the fifth digit. Duplex ultrasound imaging confirmed the presence of a dilated ulnar artery with arterial thrombus characteristic of hypothenar hammer syndrome. Conservative treatment, including cessation of activities that utilize the hypothenar region, was instituted with improvement in symptoms on follow-up evaluation.
This case report illustrates a rare clinical condition that with prompt and early identification by Emergency Physicians can prevent significant morbidity and progression of disease. The epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis are discussed along with a review of the relevant literature regarding available treatment options.