This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Peer, S. Articles by Bodner, G. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Peer, S. Articles by Bodner, G.

High-Resolution Sonography of Lower Extremity Peripheral Nerves

Anatomic Correlation and Spectrum of Disease

Departments of Radiology (S.P., G.B.) and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (C.H.) and the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Quality Control in Plastic Surgery (C.H.), University Hospital, and Department of Anatomy, Leopold Franzens University (P.K.), Innsbruck, Austria

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Siegfried Peer, MD, Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.

Objective. The value of sonography for the diagnosis of diseases of the peripheral nervous system is only little known. This image presentation is intended to raise the awareness of sonographers and clinicians of the potential of sonography by giving an anatomic-sonographic correlation of lower extremity peripheral nerves and an overview of commonly encountered diseases. Methods. On 2 lower extremity cadaver specimens, peripheral nerves were imaged in typical locations such as the tarsal tunnel. During sonography the nerve was injected with blue dye, and thin-slice anatomic sections were obtained at the scan level with a chain saw. In addition, sonographic images of patients with typical diseases are shown. Results. An excellent anatomic-sonographic correlation was obtained, which underlines the feasibility of sonography for imaging of lower extremity peripheral nerves. Reliable results may be obtained with sonography of typical disease processes of lower extremity peripheral nerves. Conclusions. Recent developments in sonographic technology such as the introduction of high-frequency linear array transducers, compound imaging, and extended field-of-view imaging strongly improve the applicability of transcutaneous sonography for the examination of peripheral nerve disease.

Key Words: sonography • anatomy • peripheral nerve.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				W.-C. Tsai, H.-J. Chiou, Y.-H. Chou, H.-K. Wang, S.-Y. Chiou, and C.-Y. Chang Differentiation Between Schwannomas and Neurofibromas in the Extremities and Superficial Body: The Role of High-Resolution and Color Doppler Ultrasonography J. Ultrasound Med., February 1, 2008; 27(2): 161 - 166. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. Gruber, S. Peer, R. Meirer, and G. Bodner Peroneal Nerve Palsy Associated with Knee Luxation: Evaluation by Sonography--Initial Experiences Am. J. Roentgenol., November 1, 2005; 185(5): 1119 - 1125. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. J. Lolge, A. C. Morani, N. G. Chaubal, and U. S. Khopkar Sonographically Guided Nerve Biopsy J. Ultrasound Med., October 1, 2005; 24(10): 1427 - 1430. [Full Text] [PDF]

				B. R. Kincaid and S. L. Barrett Use of High-Resolution Ultrasound in Evaluation of the Forefoot to Differentiate Forefoot Nerve Entrapments J Am Podiatr Med Assoc, September 1, 2005; 95(5): 429 - 432. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Nagaoka and H. Matsuzaki Ultrasonography in Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome J. Ultrasound Med., August 1, 2005; 24(8): 1035 - 1040. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. T. Gray, A. B. Collins, and I. Schafhalter-Zoppoth Sciatic Nerve Block in a Child: A Sonographic Approach Anesth. Analg., November 1, 2003; 97(5): 1300 - 1302. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H.-J. Chiou, Y.-H. Chou, S.-Y. Chiou, J.-B. Liu, and C.-Y. Chang Peripheral Nerve Lesions: Role of High-Resolution US RadioGraphics, November 1, 2003; 23(6): e15 - e15. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				M. Shafighi, R. Gurunluoglu, M. Ninkovic, A. Mallouhi, and G. Bodner Ultrasonography for Depiction of Brachial Plexus Injury J. Ultrasound Med., June 1, 2003; 22(6): 631 - 634. [Full Text] [PDF]

				G. Bodner, C. Harpf, R. Meirer, A. Gardetto, P. Kovacs, and H. Gruber Ultrasonographic Appearance of Supinator Syndrome J. Ultrasound Med., November 1, 2002; 21(11): 1289 - 1293. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]