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European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 2012 December;48(4):665-74

Copyright © 2012 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Musculoskeletal ultrasound for peripheral nerve lesions

Kara M. ¹, Özçakar L. ², De Muynck M. ³, Tok F. ⁴, Vanderstraeten G. ³ ✉

¹ Ankara Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey; ² Hacettepe University Medical School, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Ankara, Turkey; ³ Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; ⁴ İskenderun Military Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, Hatay, Turkey

Although the combination of a detailed physical examination and a subsequent electrodiagnostic study is used for the diagnosis of peripheral nerve disorders, prompt imaging may also be necessary in daily practice. In this regard, as having higher spatial resolution, and being a faster, more cost-effective and dynamic study; ultrasound (US) has become a very convenient first-line imaging modality for the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment (i.e. guiding interventions or planning for surgery) of peripheral nerve pathologies. Yet, using the probe of US to “sono-auscultate” the peripheral nerves is indisputably paramount for unmasking the whole scenario of injury. Likewise, in this review, we will try to exemplify the role of US for the diagnosis and follow-up of peripheral nerve disorders in clinical practice.