Ultrasound for Postoperative and Iatrogenic Peripheral Nerve Lesions: What Do Radiologists Need to Know?

Iatrogenic nerve injuries are common and require an immediate accurate diagnosis to allow surgical treatment within a short window of opportunity. Targeted investigation using high-resolution ultrasound (US) allows an accurate diagnosis in the acute phase when electrophysiology has a limited role. By identifying the exact site of injury, mechanism, and type of nerve damage, US can help determine the prognosis of the lesion and the need for surgical management. This pictorial review discusses the role of high-resolution US in the work-up of iatrogenic nerve injuries, with an emphasis on US appearances and the clinical knowledge needed by the radiologist to provide solutions to clinical challenges.