Reference values for nerve ultrasonography in the upper extremity
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Updated: May 11, 2026

Nerve Ultrasound Protocol to Detect Dysimmune Neuropathies
Published on: October 7, 2021
Sun Jae Won1, Byung-Jo Kim, Kyung Seok Park
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.
Introduction:
The aims of this study were to identify factors affecting the measurement of nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) and to establish normal reference values for nerve ultrasonography of the upper extremity.
Methods:
Ninety-seven age-matched, healthy individuals were enrolled. Ultrasonographic tests were performed by tracing nerves from the axilla to the distal arm. CSA was measured at the following locations: median nerve (carpal tunnel inlet, forearm, antecubital fossa, midhumerus); ulnar nerve (wrist, 2 cm proximal to the wrist, forearm, cubital tunnel outlet and inlet, midhumerus); radial nerve (spiral groove, antecubital fossa); and musculocutaneous nerve (proximal humerus).
Results:
The CSA reference values differed between the measured points along the path of each nerve. Nerve CSA correlated significantly with weight, body mass index, height, and gender; however, the CSA ratio (distal/proximal) did not correlate with demographic factors.
Conclusions:
The normal reference values may be helpful in diagnosis of pathologies involving these nerves.
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