Ultrasonography of the Peripheral Nerves of the Forearm, Wrist and Hand: Definition of Landmarks, Anatomical Correlation and Clinical Implications

Abstract

Background Peripheral nerve pathologies of the upper extremity are increasingly assessed by high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS), yet rapid identification of nerve segments can be difficult due to small nerve diameters and complex regional anatomy. We propose a landmark-based approach to speed up and facilitate evaluation and intervention in this region.

Method Relevant landmarks and section planes for eleven nerve segments of the forearm, wrist and hand were defined by ultrasonography in cadaver arms before cryosection and topographical neurovascular preparation. Information on all nerve segments and a pictorial guide including anatomical cross-sections, topographical preparations and HRUS images are provided. The identification rates of these nerve segments were then assessed in 20 healthy volunteers.

Results and Conclusion Sonographic landmarks and guidelines for the rapid identification and assessment of nerves of the forearm, wrist and hand are presented in pictorial and tabular form, including discussion of normal variants. Utilizing this overview should facilitate training, diagnostic examinations and intervention for nerves of the upper extremity.

Key Points: 

• High-resolution ultrasound enables assessment of peripheral nerves of the forearm, wrist and hand.

• A landmark-based approach can facilitate and speed up nerve evaluation in these regions.

• High detection rates could be reproduced using the proposed landmark-based approach.

Citation Format

• Gruber L, Loizides A, Peer S et al. Ultrasonography of the Peripheral Nerves of the Forearm, Wrist and Hand: Definition of Landmarks, Anatomical Correlation and Clinical Implications. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2020; 192: 1060 – 1072

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund Periphere Nervenpathologien an der oberen Extremität werden zunehmend mittels hochauflösenden Ultraschalls (HRUS) untersucht, wobei die zügige Identifikation bestimmter Nervensegmente durch geringe Nervendurchmesser und komplexe regionale Anatomie erschwert sein kann. Landmarken könnten hier die Zeiteffizienz sowie Beurteilbarkeit in der entsprechenden Region verbessern.

Methode Relevante Landmarken und Schnittebenen für 11 Nervensegmente an Unterarm, Handgelenk und Hand wurden an Leichenarmen mittels HRUS definiert. Anschließend wurden korrelierende Gefrierschnitte und topografische neurovaskuläre Präparationen durchgeführt. Dieser Artikel bietet anatomische Schnitte, topografische Erläuterungen sowie hochauflösende sonoanatomische Korrelationen der beschriebenen Nervensegmente. Zudem wurde das erfolgreiche Auffinden der Nervensegmente anhand der Landmarken an 20 gesunden Probanden evaluiert.

Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerung Sonografische Landmarken und Anleitungen für die rasche Identifikation und Beurteilung von peripheren Nerven von Unterarm, Handgelenk und Hand werden in sonoanatomisch-korrelierender sowie in tabellarischer Form unter Berücksichtigung von Normvarianten präsentiert. Das Erlernen der peripheren Nervensonografie sowie die diagnostische Beurteilung und gegebenenfalls therapeutische Intervention der entsprechenden Nerven sollen anhand dieses Manuskripts erleichtert werden.

Kernaussagen: 

• Hochauflösender Ultraschall ermöglicht die Untersuchung von peripheren Nerven an Unterarm, Handgelenk und Hand.

• Anatomische Landmarken erleichtern und beschleunigen das Auffinden und die Evaluierung dieser Nervenäste.

• Mit der Landmark-basierten Herangehensweise lassen sich hohe Detektionsraten der Nervenäste erzielen.

Key words

ultrasound - anatomy - nervous-peripheral - hand

Introduction

Peripheral nerve pathologies of the forearm, wrist and hand can stem from a myriad of causes, such as compression, direct and indirect trauma, tumors and scar tissue [1]. While thorough history taking and clinical examination can help to narrow down the location of neural damage, further examinations are necessary to exactly locate the site of damage and define the cause: in this context electrophysiological studies [2] can only determine the approximate location of neural damage and gather information as to whether sensory or motor neuron, demyelinating or axonal damage predominates. The causative mechanisms cannot be identified in the early course of the disease in numerous cases. Thus, an appropriate therapeutic concept may not be deduced in a timely fashion.

High-resolution ultrasound (HRUS), on the other hand, which is increasingly used in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies due to its high resolution and low technical requirements, allows for rapid identification of the location and causative mechanisms of neural damage [1] [3]. Technical advances enable depiction and assessment of tiny nerves and nerve branches [4] [5]. Nonetheless, successful identification of the location and assessment of small nerve branches mostly rely on thorough knowledge of human topography of the peripheral nerves. Following the course of peripheral nerves and nerve branches distally from a main stem is time consuming and can be hindered by nerve segments not being sufficiently accessible to HRUS due to surrounding anatomic structures, by variations in branching patterns or by masking tissue alterations, such as scar tissue or hematoma. Anatomical landmarks can be employed to quickly identify distal nerve branches and possible lesions.

The aims of this study were to define standard sonoanatomic landmarks for the peripheral nerves of the forearm, wrist and hand in two embalmed cadavers as a prerequisite and to evaluate these landmarks in a prospective study in 20 healthy volunteers.

Materials and methods

Anatomical studies

HRUS of two cadaver forearms was performed on a Philips iU22 with a 17-5 MHz broadband linear transducer (Philips, Washington, USA) before preparation or cryosection to define eight section planes with relevant branching of the median, ulnar and radial nerve ([Fig. 1]). Intracutaneous sutures were then applied to define exact planes for preparation or cryosection.

Fig. 1 Predefined section planes by ultrasound (see also [Table 1]) with pink lines at the predefined nerve segments: (1) proximal superficial branch of the radial nerve, (2) dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve, (3) distal superficial branch of the radial nerve, (4) palmar branch of the median nerve, (5) branching of the ulnar nerve in Gyon’s canal, (6) thenar branch of the median nerve, (7) common digital palmar nerves and (8) branching into proper digital nerves.

Abb. 1 Vordefinierte Schallkopfpositionen (siehe auch [Tab. 1]) mit pinken Linien an den vordefinierten Nervensegmenten: (1) proximaler Ramus superficialis des N. radialis, (2) Ramus dorsalis des N. ulnaris, (3) distaler Ramus superficialis des N. radialis, (4) Ramus palmaris des N. medianus, (5) Aufzweigung des N. ulnaris in der Guyon’schen Loge, (6) Thenar Ast des N. medianus, (7) Nn. digitales palmares communes, (8) Aufzweigung in die Nn. Digitales palmares proprii.

All cadavers at the institutional Department for Anatomy & Embryology were from participants who voluntarily donated their bodies for teaching and research [6]. Cadavers were preserved in a carbol-formalin solution for at least 1 year [7] [8]. Two cadaver arms from one donor were selected for preparations. Preparations of the left arm involved removal of the cutis, subcutaneous tissue and muscle fasciae and mobilization of the muscles. Utmost care was taken to preserve the neurovascular structures and muscle tendons. Relevant anatomical structures surrounding the neural branches that could act as potential landmarks were then defined including muscle bellies, tendons, bones and vessels. Frozen sections (–20 °C) of the right arm were then performed at eight predefined segments. To avoid tissue distortion due to thawing, photo documentation was performed immediately after cryosection with a Nikon D300S (Nikon; Tokyo, Japan).

Validation of landmarks in healthy volunteers

To assess the validity of the landmarks defined in the two cadaver arms, both arms in 20 healthy volunteers (10 female, 10 male; average age: 33 ± 9.9 years, range: 25–54 years) were examined using a Philips iU22 with a 17-5 MHz linear transducer (Philips, Washington, USA) and a 1 cm gel stand-off pad (Geistlich Pharma; Wollhusen, Switzerland). The exclusion criteria were prior surgery, recent trauma of the upper extremity, known acute or chronic neuropathies such as CTS or other compression neuropathies and neurogenic pain syndrome. All volunteers provided written consent and the examinations were performed in accordance with the declaration of Helsinki [9]. All data was collected anonymously. The examiners S.P. and V.S. had over 10 and 5 years of experience in musculoskeletal sonography, respectively.

The examiners worked in consensus following this schedule: First, the predefined landmarks from the cadaver study were identified and then the detectability of the relevant nerve segment was assessed as sufficient or insufficient.

Landmark-based anatomy

Radial nerve

The superficial branch (R. superficialis n. radialis) runs medially along the brachioradial muscle and reaches the back of the hand, giving off the dorsal digital nerves (Nn. digitales dorsales). An infrequent anastomosis to the ulnar nerve is known as Ramus communicans cum ulnare [10] [11].

Structures along the proximal superficial branch are anteriorly the tendon of the brachioradial muscle, laterally the radial vessels and dorsally the tendons of the extensor carpi radialis brevis and longus muscles. At the distal forearm, the nerve can be found subcutaneously at the dorsal side of the forearm giving off branches to the thumb, index, middle and ring finger.

The proximal superficial branch can be identified when positioning the transducer at the transition from the proximal to middle third of the forearm. The nerve can be found running along the tendons of the brachioradialis and extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis muscles ([Fig. 2]).

Fig. 2 Proximal segment of the superficial branch of the radial nerve: anatomical preparation overview a, color-highlighted magnification b, anatomical cross-section c, and corresponding high-resolution ultrasound image d. The proximal segment of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (yellow, white arrowhead) can be seen crossing under the tendon of the brachioradial muscle (purple). Radial artery (red, *).

Abb. 2 Proximales Segment des Ramus superficialis N. radialis: anatomische Präparation a, eingefärbte Vergrößerungsaufnahme b, anatomischer Schnitt c, korrespondierendes hochauflösendes Ultraschallbild d. Das proximale Segment des R. superficialis N. radialis (gelb, weißer Pfeilkopf) unterkreuzt die Sehne des M. brachioradialis (violett). A. radialis (rot, *).

The distal part can be located around 5 cm proximal to the radial foveola at the radial edge of the radius. The nerve is located anterior to the tendons of the extensor carpis radialis longus muscle, dorsal to the brachioradialis tendons and the radial vessels and atop the tendon of the abductor pollicis longus muscle, which it crosses over at the height of the styloid process of the radius ([Fig. 3]). After crossing the radial foveola the dorsal digital nerves originate.

Fig. 3 Distal segment of the superficial branch of the radial nerve: anatomical preparation overview a, color-highlighted magnification b, anatomical cross-section c, and corresponding high-resolution ultrasound image d. Distal segment of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (yellow) with its branches to the dorsal first digit (empty white arrowhead), second digit (white arrowhead) and third digit (black arrowhead). Radial artery (red, *).

Abb. 3 Distales Segment des Ramus superficialis N. radialis: anatomische Präparation a, eingefärbte Vergrößerungsaufnahme b, anatomischer Schnitt c, korrespondierendes hochauflösendes Ultraschallbild d. Distales Segment des R. superficialis N. radialis (gelb) mit Ästen zum dorsalen Daumen (leerer weißer Pfeilkopf), zweiten Finger (weißer Pfeilkopf) und dritten Finger (schwarzer Pfeilkopf). A. radialis (rot, *).

The deep branch of the radial nerve (R. profundus n. radialis) runs underneath the supinator muscle giving off small muscle branches and reaching the wrist as the posterior interosseous nerve. The nerve can be found most easily at the proximal border of the supinator muscle.

Median nerve

The palmar branch leaves the median nerve at the distal forearm, runs alongside its main stem under the radial edge of the palmaris longus tendon and penetrates the palmar aponeurosis. In its proximal course, it is radially surrounded by the flexor carpi radialis tendon, radial artery and the palmaris longus muscle as well as the tendons of the superficial finger flexor on the ulnar side and can be found by placing the transducer 3–5 cm proximal of the linea carpi ([Fig. 4]).

Fig. 4 Palmar branch of the median nerve: anatomical preparation overview a, color-highlighted magnification b, anatomical cross-section c, and corresponding high-resolution ultrasound image d. The palmar branch of the median nerve (yellow, white arrowhead) can be found between the tendon of the long palmar muscle (purple, ulnar) and radial carpal flexor (purple, radial).

Abb. 4 Ramus palmaris N. medianus: anatomische Präparation a, eingefärbte Vergrößerungsaufnahme b, anatomischer Schnitt c, korrespondierendes hochauflösendes Ultraschallbild d. Der Ramus palmaris N. medianus (gelb, weißer Pfeilkopf) kann zwischen den Sehnen des M. palmaris longus (violett, ulnar) und des M. flexor carpi radialis aufgefunden werden.

After passing the carpal tunnel, the median nerve divides into the 1^st to 3^rd common palmar finger nerves ([Fig. 5]). There are anastomoses between the deep branch of the ulnar nerve and motor branches of the median nerve, also called Riche-Cannieu-anastomosis [12].

Fig. 5 Thenar branch of the median nerve: anatomical preparation overview a, color-highlighted magnification b, anatomical cross-section c, and corresponding high-resolution ultrasound image d. The thenar branch (yellow, white arrowhead) shows a variable course through or around the transverse ligament (purple). The common finger nerves can also be identified (c, yellow).

Abb. 5 Thenarer Ast des N. medianus: anatomische Präparation a, eingefärbte Vergrößerungsaufnahme b, anatomischer Schnitt c, korrespondierendes hochauflösendes Ultraschallbild d. Der thenare Ast hat einen variablen Verlauf durch und um das Ligamentum transversum (violett). Die Nn. digitales palmares communes sind mit abgebildet (c, gelb).

Either originating from the median nerve or from the first common finger nerve, the thenar branch usually can be located by placing the transducer over and parallel to the thenar crease, even though the thenar branch’s origin and course are highly variable. In the carpal tunnel, the small thenar branch (approx. 1 mm²) is anteriorly surrounded by the transverse ligament, radially by the tendon of the flexor carpi radialis muscle and deeper by the tendon of the long flexor pollicis muscle. On the ulnar side, the common finger nerves, originating from the median nerve, accompany it ([Fig. 5]). Before entering the thenar musculature, the thenar branch may loop back over the transverse ligament in a superficial segment.

Ulnar nerve

The ulnar nerve enters Gyon’s canal at the height of the distal carpi palmaris crease between the pisiform bone and the hamulus of the hamate bone [13] and reaches the palm of the hand after splitting into the deep motor branch and the superficial sensory branch before or within Gyon’s canal [10]. The palmar aponeurosis and the palmaris brevis muscle form the medial, the flexor retinaculum the dorsal and the pisiform bone the ulnar-sided walls of Gyon’s canal ([Fig. 6]). Within Gyon’s canal, the branches or the main stem are accompanied by the superficial branch of the ulnar artery. The contents of Gyon’s canal can easily be visualized by placing the transducer on the pisiform bone at the linea carpis palmaris distalis.

Fig. 6 Gyon’s canal: anatomical preparation overview including proximal (green) and distal (orange) cutting plane a, color-highlighted magnification b, anatomical cross-section c, and corresponding high-resolution ultrasound images d–f. Within Gyon’s canal, the ulnar nerve (yellow, white arrowhead) is accompanied by the ulnar artery (red, *). It then divides into the superficial (e, small white arrowhead) and deep branch (f, small black arrowhead).

Abb. 6 Gyon’sche Loge: anatomische Präparation mit proximaler (grün) und distaler (orange) Schnittebene a, eingefärbte Vergrößerungsaufnahme b, anatomischer Schnitt c, korrespondierende hochauflösende Ultraschallbilder d–f. Innerhalb der Guyon’schen Loge wird der N. ulnaris (gelb, weißer Pfeilkopf) von der A. ulnaris begleitet (rot, *). Dann zweigt er sich in einen oberflächlichen (e, kleiner weißer Pfeilkopf) und einen tiefen Ast (f, kleiner schwarzer Pfeilkopf) auf.

Distal to the Gyon’s canal, the superficial structures lie on the pisohamate ligament, while the deep branch runs under the pisohamate ligament and between the abductor digiti minimi and short flexor digiti minimi muscles. Here rare compression syndromes can occur due to crossing vascular branches of the accompanying deep palmar arch [14] ([Fig. 6]). Both branches can be found at the outlet of Gyon’s canal distal to the pisiform bone. The deep branch is usually accompanied by the deep palmar arch originating from the ulnar artery. The superficial branch can most easily be identified at its entry into the thenar musculature at the palmaris brevis muscle.

The sensory dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve ([Fig. 7]) originates at the middle of the forearm and runs superficially on the back of the forearm covered by superficial veins, where it innervates the dorsal skin of the lateral half of the 4^th and the 5^th finger [10]. It can be found by placing the transducer at the ulnar edge of the forearm 3–5 cm proximal to the ulnar head.

Fig. 7 Dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve: anatomical preparation overview a, color-highlighted magnification b, anatomical cross-section c, and corresponding high-resolution ultrasound image d. The dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve (yellow, white arrowhead) can be found covered by superficial veins and on top of the tendons of the ulnar carpal extensor and extensor digiti minimi (purple) at the height of the pisiform and triquetrum (turquoise).

Abb. 7 Ramus dorsalis N. ulnaris: anatomische Präparation a, eingefärbte Vergrößerungsaufnahme b, anatomischer Schnitt c, korrespondierendes hochauflösendes Ultraschallbild d. Der Ramus dorsalis N. ulnaris (gelb, weißer Pfeilkopf) wird von oberflächlichen Venen bedeckt und kann über den Sehnen des M. extensor carpi ulnaris und M. extensor digiti minimi (violett) auf Höhe des Os pisiforme und triquetrum (türkis) aufgefunden werden.

The palmar branch of the ulnar nerve arises approximately 5 cm to the Gyon’s canal and runs alongside the ulnar nerve ([Fig. 8]). It provides sensory innervation to the hypothenar skin.

Fig. 8 Palmar branch of the ulnar nerve: anatomical preparation overview a, color-highlighted magnification b, anatomical cross-section c, and corresponding high-resolution ultrasound image d. The hypothenar branch (yellow, white arrowhead) can be found alongside the ulnar nerve (yellow, black arrowhead) in the carpal tunnel at the height of the pisiform (turquoise), accompanied by the ulnar artery (red, *).

Abb. 8 Ramus palmaris N. ulnaris: anatomische Präparation a, eingefärbte Vergrößerungsaufnahme b, anatomischer Schnitt c, korrespondierendes hochauflösendes Ultraschallbild d. Der Ramus palmaris N. ulnaris (gelb, weißer Pfeilkopf) kann in der Guyon’schen Loge auf Höhe des Os pisiforme (türkis) neben dem N. ulnaris aufgefunden werden und wird von der A. ulnaris begleitet (rot, *).

Common and proper finger nerves

The median nerve branches into three and the ulnar nerve into two common finger nerves. The flexor retinaculum and the palmar aponeurosis form the superficial border for all common finger nerves, while the finger flexor tendons run under the first three nerves. The remaining two common finger nerves can be found anterior to the pisohamate ligament ([Fig. 9]).

Fig. 9 Common finger nerves: anatomical preparation overview a, color-highlighted magnification b, anatomical cross-section c, and corresponding high-resolution ultrasound image d. The median nerve (yellow, large white arrowhead) gives off common finger nerves (yellow, small arrowheads), which run alongside the flexor tendons (purple) and are accompanied by respective common finger arteries. The retinaculum flexorum (purple) has been dissected.

Abb. 9 Nn. digitales palmares communes: anatomische Präparation a, eingefärbte Vergrößerungsaufnahme b, anatomischer Schnitt c, korrespondierendes hochauflösendes Ultraschallbild d. Der N. medianus (gelb, großer weißer Pfeilkopf) gibt Nn. digitales palmares communes ab, die neben den Flexorensehnen (violett) verlaufen von den jeweiligen Fingerarterien begleitet werden. Das Retinaculum flexorum wurde gespalten (violett).

At the height of the distal transverse ligament, the common finger nerves split into the proper finger nerves. Three proper finger nerves arise from the first common finger nerve, innervating the skin of the thumb and the radial side of the index finger. The other common finger nerves each divide into two proper finger nerves, innervating the radial and ulnar-sided skin of two adjacent fingers.

To visualize the proper finger nerves, the transducer should be placed on the proximal phalanges, where the nerves can be found alongside the finger vessels ([Fig. 10]).

Fig. 10 Proper finger nerves: anatomical preparation overview a, color-highlighted magnification b, anatomical cross-section c, and corresponding high-resolution ultrasound image d. The proper finger nerves (yellow, small white arrowheads) arise from the common finger nerves (see also [Fig. 9]) and run on the ulnar and radial side of the flexor tendons (purple) and are accompanied by a small proper finger artery (red, *).

Abb. 10 Nn. digitales palmares proprii: Nn. digitales palmares communes: anatomische Präparation a, eingefärbte Vergrößerungsaufnahme b, anatomischer Schnitt c, korrespondierendes hochauflösendes Ultraschallbild d. Die Nn. digitales palmares proprii (gelb, kleiner weißer Pfeilkopf) werden von den Nn. digitales palmares communes (siehe [Abb. 9]) gebildet und verlaufen auf der ulnaren und radialen Seite der Flexorensehnen (violett). Sie werden von kleinen Fingerarterien begleitet (rot, *).

Transducer positions and anatomical landmarks for the nerves of the forearm, wrist and hand are summarized in [Table 1].

Table 1 List of nerves of the upper extremity including information on transducer positioning and relevant landmarks.
Tab. 1 Liste der Nerven an der oberen Extremität mit Informationen zur Schallkopfpositionierung und relevanten Landmarken.

nerve	nerve branch	sonographic guidelines	anatomical landmarks
radial nerve	superficial branch (proximal)	place transducer at the transition from proximal to middle third of radial forearm.	palmar: tendon of brachioradialis muscle medial: radial vessels dorsal: tendons of long and short extensor carpi radialis muscles
	superficial branch (distal)	place transducer 5 cm proximal to the radial foveola at the radial edge of the forearm.	radial: tendon of brachioradialis muscle dorsal: extensor carpi radialis longus distal: abductor pollicis longus
	deep branch (proximal)	locate the proximal border of the supinator muscle, the nerve can be found running underneath.	distal: proximal border of the supinator muscle. Palmar: supinator muscle BELLY, arch of Frohse
ulnar nerve	dorsal branch	place transducer at the ulnar edge of forearm 3–5 cm proximal to the ulnar head.	palmar: tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle dorsal: tendon of the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle and distal ulna
	main stem (Gyon’s canal)	place transducer at the linea carpis palmaris distalis over the pisiform bone.	palmar: palmar aponeurosis and palmaris brevis muscle dorsal: retinaculum flexorum ulnar: pisiform bone
	palmar branch	place transducer 3 cm proximal to the pisiform bone.	accompanied by main ulnar nerve stem.
	superficial branch	place transducer distal to the pisiform bone in transverse orientation.	proximal: outlet of Gyon’s canal dorsal: pisohamate ligament palmar: palmaris brevis muscle
	deep branch	place transducer distal to the pisiform bone in transverse orientation.	proximal: outlet of Gyon’s canal palmar: pisohamate ligament ulnar: abductor digiti minimi radial: short flexor digiti minimi accompanied by the deep palmar arch
	common palmar finger nerves	place transducer over the radial wrist at the height of the pisiform bone parallel to the distal linea carpi palmaris.	distal: pisiform bone palmar: pisohamate ligament dorsal: tendons of the superficial flexor digitorum muscles, lumbrical muscles
	proper palmar finger nerves	place transducer on the proximal phalanges.	dorsal: finger artery radial/ulnar: phalanges
median nerve	palmar branch	place transducer 3–5 cm proximal of the linea carpi palmaris distalis at the anterior forearm.	radial: tendon of the flexor carpi radialis and radial artery ulnar: tendon of the palmaris longus muscle (if present) and flexor digitorum superficialis (deeply located)
	thenar branch	place transducer over and parallel to the thenar crease (linea vitalis).	palmar: flexor retinaculum and palmar aponeurosis (palmar) radial: tendon of the flexor carpi radialis and flexor pollicis longus muscle (deeply located) ulnar: common digital nerves, stemming from the median nerve
	common palmar finger nerves	place transducer on a connecting line between the scaphoid and pisiform bones.	radial: thenar muscles palmar: flexor retinaculum dorsal: tendons of the superficial flexor digitorum muscles, lumbrical muscles
	proper palmar finger nerves	place transducer on the proximal phalanges.	dorsal: finger artery radial/ulnar: phalanges

Evaluation of landmarks in healthy volunteers

Following the proposed landmark-based approach, a detection rate of 100 % could be achieved for all nerves and nerve branches except for the thenar branch of the median nerve. Here, only 45 % could be detected in right arms and 35 % in left arms ([Table 2]). No influence of age or sex on the detection rate could be demonstrated.

Table 2 Detection rates of the various nerves and nerve segments in healthy volunteers following the proposed visualization guidelines.
Tab. 2 Detektionsraten der unterschiedlichen Nerven und Nervenäste an gesunden Probanden unter Verwendung der vorgeschlagenen Leitlinien.

		detection rate
	nerve segment	right arm (%)	left arm (%)
radial nerve	superficial branch (proximal)	100	100
	superficial branch (distal)	100	100
ulnar nerve	dorsal branch	100	100
	Gyon’s canal	100	100
median nerve	thenar branch	45	35
	palmar branch	100	100
median & ulnar nerve	common finger nerves	100	100
	proper finger nerves	100	100

Discussion

Nerve damage of the forearm, wrist and hand can occur for various reasons like trauma, compression syndromes and tumors [5] [15]. Exact location identification and evaluation of small nerve lesions is complicated by complex topography, small structure scale and oftentimes subtle neural alterations. Thus, the learning curve for radiologists in the area of nerve sonography is considered steeper than, for example, via MRI [16]. While correct and timely diagnosis is essential for a patient’s outcome [17] [18], especially correct location identification can be time-consuming if following the nerves from a proximal segment, particularly if proximal segments of a given nerve cannot be visualized due to masking or lack of ultrasound penetration. Therefore, the relation of nerves and landmarks can be used for quicker identification of small nerve branches [19].

In this sonoanatomic study, we could demonstrate that the use of predefined landmarks is a valid and reproducible tool for the identification and evaluation of small nerve branches. Almost all nerve branches we examined had a high detection rate. Only the thenar branch of the median nerve could be detected in less than half of wrists. A standardized approach relying on landmarks further requires less experience in finding nerve branches and should speed up learning in residents.

The most common causes of peripheral nerve lesions are compression neuropathies and trauma [16] [18]. Neoplasms and inflammatory states occur less frequently [16]. HRUS allows for dynamic examinations and targeted provocation of symptoms. Thus, a correlation between clinical presentation and sonomorphologic alterations is possible [20]. HRUS enables differentiation between neurapraxia/axonotmesis on the one hand and neurotmesis, i. e. complete discontinuity of the nerve on the other [17] [18] [20]. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential especially in posttraumatic or iatrogenic nerve lesions [16]. Outcome rapidly worsens if delays occur in this early stage of nerve trauma [17] [18]. Furthermore, HRUS can yield (preliminary) information on the nerve route, normal variants, the extent of the discontinuity and whether a graft will be needed [18].

Beyond purely diagnostic applications, HRUS enables sonographers to perform imaging-guided neural interventions. Diagnostic and therapeutic targeting and perineural injection of local anesthetics in patients with chronic pain [21] or phenol for the treatment of e. g. stump neuroma [22] are already routinely performed.

One limitation of this study is the low detection rate of the thenar branch – which can be damaged during carpal tunnel release surgery [23] [24] – in healthy volunteers. The definition of a singular landmark is complicated by its small cross-sectional area, highly variable origin and course [24]. Due to its exploratory nature and overall study design, no intra- or inter-observer correlation was performed. Only two cadaver arms were examined, thus anatomical variations were not included in this study. Furthermore, the healthy volunteers we examined were rather young. Nerve detection rates in the elderly, overweight or chronically ill may be lower.

Conclusion

This sonoanatomic correlation study demonstrates the validity and reproducibility of standardized guidelines based on predefined anatomical landmarks in the detection of peripheral nerve branches of the hand and wrist. The findings should simplify and accelerate the location identification and diagnosis of peripheral nerve lesions of the forearm, wrist and hand with HRUS.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Publication History

Received: 11 September 2019

Accepted: 27 January 2020

Article published online:
04 March 2020