The role of ultrasonography and MRI in patients with non-traumatic nerve fascicle torsion of the upper extremity

Clin Radiol. 2013 Sep;68(9):e479-83. doi: 10.1016/j.crad.2013.03.021. Epub 2013 Apr 25.

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the role of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of non-traumatic nerve fascicle torsion of the upper extremity.

Materials and methods: Eleven patients (unilateral upper extremity) who underwent surgical treatment for nerve fascicle torsion were included in the study. Ultrasonography and MRI showed the detailed anatomy of the region well enough to reveal nerve fascicle torsion. The characterization and classification (single-segmental or multi-segmental) based on ultrasonography and diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI findings were recorded.

Results: The hourglass-shaped appearance was a characteristic feature of nerve fascicle torsion, Characterization and classification based on ultrasonography and MRI findings were consistent with intraoperative findings.

Conclusion: Ultrasonography and MRI may be valuable in the diagnosis of non-traumatic nerve fascicle torsion of the upper extremity.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / surgery
  • Preoperative Care / methods
  • Radial Neuropathy / diagnosis*
  • Radial Neuropathy / diagnostic imaging
  • Radial Neuropathy / surgery
  • Torsion Abnormality / diagnosis*
  • Torsion Abnormality / diagnostic imaging
  • Torsion Abnormality / surgery
  • Ulnar Neuropathies / diagnosis*
  • Ulnar Neuropathies / diagnostic imaging
  • Ulnar Neuropathies / surgery
  • Ultrasonography
  • Upper Extremity / innervation
  • Young Adult