Distal ulnar neuropathy in meat packers. An occupational disease?

Distal ulnar neuropathy at the wrist level was observed in three meat packers. The diagnosis was confirmed electromyographically, by follow-up, and with surgical exploration. Compression neuropathy of the distal ulnar nerve has been a well-recognized occupational hazard and is cause by chronic and repeated compression of the ulnar nerve at the level of Guyon's canal; pathogenetic mechanisms differ from those observed in the more common carpal tunnel syndrome.