Hypothenar hammer syndrome: an occupational cause of Raynaud's phenomenon

Abstract

Hypothenar hammer syndrome is an uncommonly recognized, occupationally associated cause of Raynaud's phenomenon, induced by traumatic compromise of the vascular supply to the hand. Two patients are presented, one with preexisting Raynaud's phenomenon who sought attention after the development of cutaneous ulcers. The features of the syndrome are reviewed, and the importance of its recognition in the appropriate occupational setting as a potentially curable form of Raynaud's phenomenon is emphasized.