Hypothenar hammer syndrome: A multicenter case–control study. Issue 11 (22nd August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scharnbacher, Jutta; Claus, Matthias; Reichert, Jörg; Röhrl, Tobias; Hoffmann, Ulrich; Ulm, Kurt; Letzel, Stephan; Nowak, Dennis
• Is Part Of: American journal of industrial medicine. Volume 56:Issue 11(2013:Nov.)
• Page Start: 1352
• Page End: 1358
• Publication Date: 2013-08-22
• Subjects: Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Médecine du travail -- Périodiques; 616.9803
• DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22237
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0271-3586

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="ajim22237-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>The rarely diagnosed hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is due to vascular damage to the distal part of the ulnar artery probably caused by acute or repetitive blunt trauma to the hypothenar region. To date, mainly case reports have been published, while epidemiological data are almost absent.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajim22237-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>To identify potential risk factors for HHS.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajim22237-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Method</title> <p>An interview‐based multicenter case–control study of 71 patients with HHS and 105 matched controls was conducted with standardized questions regarding disease specific variables, occupation, exposure of the hands to different types of trauma in occupational and leisure context. Medical data were verified from individual medical records.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajim22237-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that using the hand as a hammer on a daily basis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 17.04, 95% CI 5.51–52.67) daily pressure to the palm of the hand (aOR 4.96, 95% CI 1.39–17.71), and daily exposure to vibrating tools (aOR 3.41, 95% CI 1.03–11.31) were significant risk factors for HHS.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajim22237-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>This investigation represents one of the largest groups of patients with HHS described so far. Work‐related repeated blunt trauma to the palm of the hand significantly increases the risk of HHS. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:1352–1358, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</p> </sec> </abstract>