Deep inferior epigastric artery donor for hypothenar hammer syndrome reconstruction: a case series

Abstract

Hypothenar hammer syndrome is a rare vasculopathy characterised by aneurysm and thrombosis of the ulnar artery at the level of Guyon’s canal due to blunt force trauma in the hypothenar region, with subsequent clinical features of ischaemia. Critical digital ischaemia is an indication for surgical intervention, which can involve resection of damaged segments of the ulnar artery with vessel reconstruction. We evaluate the role of deep inferior epigastric artery graft as an option for reconstructing hypothenar hammer syndrome in two cases with the aim of raising awareness of a rare and potentially underdiagnosed condition.