[Traumatically-induced ischemia of the hands].
BACKGROUND
The 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.


METHODS
Six patients with HHS are presented. In four cases occupational activities were most probable cause for HHS, in two patients sport activities.


METHODS
Clinical 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.


METHODS
Avoiding the releasing cause is main part in therapy of HHS. Only in few patients special medical treatment is indicated.


CONCLUSIONS
Positive evidence of causal relationship between occupational exposure and appearance of HHS has to be acknowledged as occupational disease.
Schneider
M
M
Abteilung Angiologie, Zentrum Innere Medizin und Dermatologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover.
Creutzig
A
A
Alexander
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000792:Angiography; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply*; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017535:Ulnar Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
Traumatisch bedingte Durchblutungsstörungen der Hände.