Entrapment neuropathies I: upper limb (carpal tunnel excluded)

Semin Musculoskelet Radiol. 2010 Nov;14(5):473-86. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1268068. Epub 2010 Nov 11.

Abstract

Several entrapment neuropathies of the upper extremity can cause hypoechoic swelling and nerve compression as seen at ultrasound. The ulnar nerve can be compressed at the cubital tunnel of the elbow and Guyon's canal at the wrist. The deep branch of the radial nerve can be compressed at the supinator muscle at the elbow, and the superficial radial nerve may be compressed at the dorsal wrist (Wartenberg's syndrome). In addition to compression at the carpal tunnel, the median nerve may be compressed at the elbow, related to a supracondylar process or by the pronator teres. Knowledge of these key anatomical sites of potential nerve compression is essential for accurate diagnosis of entrapment neuropathies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Elbow Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Elbow Joint / innervation
  • Humans
  • Median Nerve / diagnostic imaging
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radial Nerve / diagnostic imaging
  • Ulnar Nerve / diagnostic imaging
  • Ulnar Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography
  • Upper Extremity / diagnostic imaging*
  • Wrist / diagnostic imaging
  • Wrist / innervation