Intraoperative ultrasound-assisted peripheral nerve surgery

Historically, peripheral nerve surgery has relied on landmarks and fairly extensive dissection for localization of both normal and pathological anatomy. High-resolution ultrasonography is a radiation-free imaging modality that can be used to directly visualize peripheral nerves and their associated pathologies prior to making an incision. It therefore helps in localization of normal and pathological anatomy, which can minimize the need for extensive exposures. The authors found intraoperative ultrasound (US) to be most useful in the management of peripheral nerve tumors and neuromas of nerve branches that are particularly small or have a deep location. This study presents the use of intraoperative US in 5 cases in an effort to illustrate some of the applications of this useful surgical adjunct.