Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome

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Classification according to ICD-10
T75.2 Jackhammer Syndrome
ICD-10 online (WHO version 2019)

The hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is an arterial blood flow disorder of the hand, by single or repeated blunt trauma to the little finger, the so-called hypothenar is caused. The ulnar artery is injured by the force .

The syndrome mostly occurs in craftsmen who use their hand like a striking tool. The hypothenary area is used as a substitute for a hammer , so to speak . Even martial artist can suffer an HHS.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome are numbness, weakness, feeling cold and pain in the affected hand. These symptoms may not appear until days, weeks, or months after the triggering event. In many cases, however, those affected do not have any symptoms because the blood vessels in the hand are supplied by the uninjured radial artery. The HHS is therefore considered to be a very rare disease.

HHS as an occupational disease

In Germany, Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome has been recognized as an occupational disease since 2015. The legal definition is: "Vascular damage to the hand due to impact force (hypothenar hammer syndrome and thenar hammer syndrome)". Recognition was preceded by a corresponding recommendation from the Medical Advisory Board “Occupational Diseases” at the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs .

literature

  • C. Heitmann, M. Plezer, M. Tränkle, M. Sauerbier, G. Germann: The Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome. In: The trauma surgeon. 9/2002, pp. 833-836.
  • Stephan Letzel, Dirk-Matthias Rose, Mark Buchta: Hypothenar-Hammer-Syndrome. In: Zentralblatt für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie. 53 (2003), pp. 48-51.
  • E. Ludolph: Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome - an occupational disease? In: Med Sach. 100 (2004), pp. 186-187.
  • Tobias Röhrl: The Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome. Results of a multicenter case-control study to record occupational and non-occupational risks. Dissertation . 2008. Download (PDF; 2.9 MB)
  • J. Scharnbacher, Stephan Letzel: Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome in athletes. In: German magazine for sports medicine. 7/8, 57, 2006, pp. 201-205.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Recommendation of the Medical Advisory Board “Occupational Diseases”, BMAS announcement of May 1, 2012, GMBl. 2012, p. 449.