Compression neuropathy of the ulnar digital nerves in the thumbs of a massage therapist.

Abstract

Compression neuropathies of digital nerves, caused by hypertrophied or anomalous muscles, are rare compared with such occurrences above the wrist. We reported a case of compression neuropathy of the ulnar digital nerves in bilateral thumbs of a massage therapist. Entrapment of the digital nerves by the hypertrophied first dorsal interosseous and adductor pollicis muscles over the first web space of the right hand was detected by magnetic resonance imaging. Surgical debulking of the muscles and neurolysis were performed on the dominant right hand. The left hand was successfully treated with botulinum toxin. No recurrence was noted in a follow-up of 36 months.