Ultrasonographic swelling ratio in the diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow

Joon Shik Yoon, Francis O. Walker, Michael S. Cartwright

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    111 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    High-resolution ultrasound can demonstrate focal nerve enlargement in entrapment neuropathies. We hypothesized that a ratio between the nerve cross-sectional area at the site of maximal enlargement and at an unaffected site may improve diagnostic accuracy in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE), when compared to a single measurement at the site of maximal enlargement. Ultrasound was used to measure the cross-sectional area of the ulnar nerve at three sites in 30 normal, healthy controls and 26 individuals with UNE. In individuals with UNE, the ratio was 2.9:1 when the site of maximal swelling was compared with a distal ulnar nerve site and 2.8:1 when compared with a proximal site. This represented a significant increase compared with the ratio of 1.1:1 for both comparisons in controls (P < 0.0001). This type of ratio may be particularly useful for assessing entrapment in those with polyneuropathy or obesity, both of which can cause diffuse nerve enlargement.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1231-1235
    Number of pages5
    JournalMuscle and Nerve
    Volume38
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2008 Oct

    Keywords

    • Elbow
    • Entrapment
    • Nerve conduction studies
    • Ulnar neuropathy
    • Ultrasound

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Physiology
    • Clinical Neurology
    • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
    • Physiology (medical)

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Ultrasonographic swelling ratio in the diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this