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Published on: January 11, 2019
High-frequency sonography of the volar digital nerves of the hand
James M Kessler1, Mauricio de la Lama, Hillary R Umans
1Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Jacobi Medical Center, 1400 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx, New York, USA. kessler.james@gmail.com
Introduction:
The purpose of this study is to describe our technique for high-frequency sonography of the volar digital nerves and to define the course, caliber, and morphology of normal volar digital nerves.
Methods:
The volar digital nerves of 10 volunteers were imaged in the long axis using a linear ultrasound transducer. Height, weight, glove size, and hand dominance were recorded. Each radial and ulnar nerve was divided into four segments. Segment thickness and depth were measured. A mixed model analysis for repeated measures was utilized (α = 0.05).
Results:
The average nerve thickness (NT) was 1.1 mm (± 0.01 SE), and the average nerve depth (ND) was 2.8 mm (± 0.04 SE). Neither NT nor ND demonstrated any significant correlation with height, age, weight, body mass index, or glove size. Nerves ranged in thickness from 0.7 to 1.5 mm and in depth from 0.7 to 6.8 mm.
Conclusion:
High-frequency sonography permits high-resolution imaging of the volar digital nerves.
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