Role Of Ultrasound And Electrodiagnostic Study In The Assessment Of Traumatic Peripheral Nerve Injuries Of Upper Limbs

Abstract

Background: peripheral nerve injury is a vital and potentially debilitating condition that affects the daily life of patients and their quality of life. Reaching the right diagnosis helps to find the optimal treatment which in turn leads to reduction of disabilities and, in many cases, regaining functionality.

Objectives: To evaluate the role of ultrasound and electrodiagnostic studies in assessing traumatic peripheral nerve injuries in upper limbs.

Patients and methods: Participants were (44) adult patients, with (40) men and (4) women; mean age (39.3± 10.2 years), with a total of (50) peripheral nerve injuries (duration of 3 months to 20 years). High-frequency US examinations and electro-physiologic studies were used to assess upper limb peripheral nerve injury.

Results: Partial nerve injury (axonotmesis) was diagnosed in 35 (70%) nerves, complete nerve injury (neurotmesis) in 2 (4%), normal nerve continuity was found in 12 (24%) with one case (2%) with foreign body detection. Ultrasound showed Sensitivity and Specificity of 92% and 90%, respectively, compared to EDX.

Conclusion: Nerve ultrasound demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity, indicating that it serves as a complementary tool to the gold standard electrodiagnostic studies. Ultrasound is a valuable tool for providing informative details, particularly assessing the morphology of nerve and evaluating its surrounding structures.