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Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Nerve Ultrasound Protocol to Detect Dysimmune Neuropathies
Published on: October 7, 2021
Anatomical study of the iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, and genitofemoral nerves using high-resolution ultrasound
Alberto Tagliafico1, Bianca Bignotti, Angela Cadoni
1Institute of Anatomy, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Via de Toni 14, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
Introduction:
In this study we aimed to determine whether high-resolution ultrasound (US) can identify the iliohypogastric (IH), ilioinguinal (II), and genitofemoral (GF) nerves and their relations.
Methods:
This investigation, initially undertaken in cadavers, was followed by a high-resolution US study in 30 healthy adult volunteers (180 nerves) by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists on separate occasions, using 2 different approaches (proximal to distal and distal to proximal). A 0-3 scale was used to assess nerve visibility. Location and course of the IH, II, and GF nerves and their relations to adjacent anatomical structures were analyzed.
Results:
Nerves and their terminal branches were better visualized with the distal-to-proximal approach (P < 0.05). Visualization of the terminal branches was possible in up to 60% of volunteers.
Conclusions:
High-resolution ultrasound (US) can identify the IH, II, and GF nerves at the level of the abdominal wall and the terminal branches in the majority of volunteers.
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