Abstract
This article provides an overview of the most common mononeuropathies. It includes
a description of the neuroanatomy and function of each nerve which allows clinical
localization of the lesion. It also describes the clinical presentation, findings
in electrodiagnostic studies, updates in imaging including neuromuscular ultrasound
and magnetic resonance neurography, and recommended treatment. While mononeuropathies
may be part of polyneuropathy, this scenario is beyond the scope of this article.
The most common mononeuropathy is carpal tunnel syndrome. Its prevalence in the United
States is estimated at 50 per 1,000. The second most common entrapment neuropathy
is ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. The incidence was calculated as 20.9% in a 2005
study. The most common compressive neuropathy of the lower extremity is peroneal neuropathy.
Other common mononeuropathies included in this article are radial neuropathy, tibial
neuropathy, and femoral neuropathy.
Keywords
mononeuropathy - entrapment neuropathy - median neuropathy - ulnar neuropathy - radial
neuropathy - tibial neuropathy - peroneal neuropathy - femoral neuropathy
