Ultrasonography of the Sural Nerve: Normal and Pathologic Appearances

Ultrasonography (US) of peripheral nerves has gained wide popularity because of the increased definition of modern high-frequency electronic transducers, as well as the well-known advantages of US, which include easy availability, low cost, and the possibility of realizing a dynamic examination. Traditionally, US has been deployed to assess the major nerves of the limbs. More recently, US has also been used to assess the normal appearance and pathologic changes of smaller subcutaneous nerves. The sural nerve is a small sensory nerve in the subcutaneous tissues of the calf that can be affected by a variety of disorders. This pictorial essay illustrates the normal anatomy of the sural nerve, the technique for its examination by US, as well as the US appearance of its main pathologic changes.