Hypothenar hammer syndrome: Distal ulnar artery reconstruction with autologous inferior epigastric artery.

Digital artery embolization and ulnar artery thrombosis are consequences of repetitive trauma and can lead to digit loss and debility from ischemia and cold intolerance. We postulate that an arterial autograft is a theoretically superior conduit to traditional saphenous vein, and report reconstruction with inferior epigastric artery. Three adult male smokers, ages 39 to 49 years, had severe digital ischemia and cold-induced vasospasm. Arteriograms confirmed occlusion of the distal ulnar artery without direct perfusion of the superficial palmar arch, distal digital artery embolization, and normal proximal vasculature. All reconstructions were performed from the distal most patent ulnar artery at the wrist to the superficial palmar arch (1 patient) or sequentially to the involved common digital arteries (2 patients), with inferior epigastric artery. Handling characteristics and size match between the arterial autografts and bypassed arteries was excellent. Patency has been confirmed with duplex scanning at follow-up of 8 to 24 months, with resolution of cold intolerance and successful digital preservation.