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Sonographic mapping of the normal brachial plexus.
Xavier Demondion1, Pascal Herbinet, Nathalie Boutry
1Service de Radiologie Ostéo-Articulaire, Hôpital Roger Salengro, Lille, France.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|August 15, 2003
Summary
Sonography can successfully map the brachial plexus (a network of nerves). This imaging technique aids in precisely locating nerve lesions and may be useful for selective anesthesia, though anatomical knowledge is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
- Anatomy
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been used for brachial plexus mapping.
- Potential clinical applications include precise localization of nerve lesions and selective anesthesia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the feasibility of mapping the brachial plexus using sonography.
Main Methods:
- Sonographic examination of the brachial plexus in 12 healthy adult volunteers.
- Correlation of sonographic images with contiguous anatomic sections from four cadavers.
Main Results:
- Successful sonographic mapping was achieved in 10 of 12 volunteers, correlating well with anatomic sections.
- Subclavian and deep cervical arteries served as useful landmarks.
- The eighth cervical and first thoracic nerve roots were challenging to visualize due to their deep location.
Conclusions:
- Sonography is a viable method for brachial plexus mapping.
- The technique demands strong anatomical understanding and may be limited in individuals with short necks.