Sonographic normal values for the cross-sectional area of the ulnar nerve: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Nerve size is a commonly used sonographic parameter when assessing suspected entrapment of the ulnar nerve. We aimed to create a robust set of normal values, based on a critical review of published normal values.

We performed a systematic evaluation of studies on normal ulnar nerve sizes, identified in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Using meta-analyses, we determined pooled mean cross-sectional area (CSA) values for different anatomical locations of the ulnar nerve throughout the arm. Subgroup analyses were performed for gender, probe frequency, in- or exclusion of diabetic patients, position of the elbow and Asian versus other populations.

We identified 90 studies of which 77 studies were included for further analyses after quality review, resulting in data from 5772 arms of 3472 participants. Subgroup analyses show lower CSA values at at the wrist crease and proximal to the wrist crease when using low frequency probes (< 15 MHz) and at the wrist crease, proximal to the wrist crease, proximal forearm and the distal upper arm in Asians. CSA values were lower when in flexed position compared to extended position for the cubital tunnel inlet only. No difference was found for gender.

Our systematic review provides a comprehensive set of normal values at sites along the entire length of the ulnar nerve. This provides a foundation for clinical practise and upon which future studies could be more systematically compared.