Ultrasound Diagnosis of Upper Extremity Peripheral Entrapment Neuropathies: A Narrative Review.

JBJS Rev · Sep 01 2024 · Review

Gardner JE, Jones H, Wagner ER, Bowers RL

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Georgia

Hand & Upper Extremity Shoulder & Elbow

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONThis narrative review finds diagnostic ultrasound to be a valid adjunct to electrodiagnostic studies for diagnosing upper extremity nerve entrapments, though standardized clinical guidelines are still lacking.
Abstract, as published

» Diagnostic ultrasound evaluation has become an important adjunct to electrodiagnostic studies in the diagnosis of upper extremity entrapment neuropathy. » For the common median and ulnar entrapment neuropathies, published normative values for nerve cross-sectional area at the wrist and elbow have demonstrated a high degree of diagnostic validity of diagnostic ultrasound. » Expert consensus on best practice for the clinical use of these reference is lacking and should be a logical next step in the deployment of ultrasound for upper extremity neuropathy evaluation.

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