Aberrant Course of a Communicating Branch of the Ulnar Nerve to the Median Nerve Contributing to Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome

Abstract

This presentation represents a unique anatomic predisposition to the development of hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS). In this case, a communicating branch of the ulnar nerve to the median common digital nerve of the ring finger was identified crossing volar to the superficial palmar arch. This relationship caused thrombosis of the superficial palmar arch proximal to this crossing nerve branch. The aberrant course of this nerve created a structural anomaly contributing to HHS, which ultimately mandated surgical intervention.