Role of sonography in assessment of upper extremity nerve pathologies: A literature review.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: High-resolution ultrasound is a useful tool in the imaging of upper extremity nerves and depiction of morphology/structural abnormalities, with the benefits of cost-effectiveness, ease of access and capability of dynamic assessment. The focus of this review article will be sonographic assessment of pathologies of commonly imaged upper extremity nerves: radial, median and ulnar nerves.

METHODS: A review of the recent literature on sonography of upper extremity nerves was performed, using databases within PubMed, Google Scholar and OVID as well as a textbook resource.

RESULTS: Ultrasound can provide valuable information in the assessment of the upper extremity nerves. It can demonstrate pathologies such as entrapment neuropathies, nerve tumours and traumatic nerve injuries. The sonographic features of these conditions will be discussed in this review article.

CONCLUSION: Ultrasound is a useful imaging modality to investigate upper extremity nerve pathologies when clinically indicated and can guide subsequent management/treatment.