Digital Nerve Compression in a Violinist with Benign Hypermobility: A Case Study

Epidemiologic studies suggest that benign hypermobility may be common in musicians. Anecdotal reports in violinists are well known, but few have linked this disorder to nerve entrapment syndrome. This paper describes a college level violin student whose hypermobility led to a digital nerve entrapment. A therapeutic program of splinting and exercise led to rapid resolution of her problem. Epidemiologic studies suggest that benign hypermobility may be a common problem in string players, but few authors describe in detail individual problems and therapeutic interventions. We recently encountered a college level violin student who presented with a digital compressive neuropathy secondary to hypermobility and recurrent subluxation of the left fifth metacarpalphalangeal joint. An adaptive splint and an exercise program led to complete resolution of the discomfort and return to musical form.