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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
06:40
Screening of Axonal Degeneration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Ultrasonography and Nerve Conduction Studies
Published on: January 11, 2019
Entrapment neuropathies I: upper limb (carpal tunnel excluded)
Jon A Jacobson1, David P Fessell, Lucas Da Gama Lobo
1Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0326, USA. jjacobsn@umich.edu
Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology
|November 13, 2010
Summary
Ultrasound reveals nerve compression in the upper extremity, identifying key anatomical sites for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Accurate diagnosis of entrapment neuropathies relies on understanding these specific locations of nerve impingement.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Entrapment neuropathies are common causes of upper extremity pain and dysfunction.
- Ultrasound is a valuable tool for visualizing nerve swelling and compression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe key anatomical sites of nerve compression in the upper extremity.
- To emphasize the importance of anatomical knowledge for diagnosing entrapment neuropathies.
Main Methods:
- Review of anatomical landmarks associated with common upper extremity entrapment neuropathies.
- Correlation of ultrasound findings with specific nerve compression sites.
Main Results:
- Ulnar nerve compression identified at the cubital tunnel (elbow) and Guyon's canal (wrist).
- Radial nerve compression noted at the supinator muscle (deep branch) and dorsal wrist (superficial branch - Wartenberg's syndrome).
- Median nerve compression described at the elbow (supracondylar process, pronator teres) in addition to the carpal tunnel.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of upper extremity entrapment neuropathies requires precise knowledge of anatomical compression sites.
- Ultrasound visualization aids in identifying nerve swelling and impingement at these critical locations.
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