Magnetic Resonance Neurography Findings in Clinically Suspected Posterior Interosseous Neuropathy

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Neurology
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Lateral elbow pain affects 1-3% of the population.
• Posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) neuropathy can cause lateral elbow pain, mimicking lateral epicondylitis.
• Distinguishing PIN neuropathy from other conditions can be challenging with conventional methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) findings in patients with suspected PIN neuropathy.
• To differentiate PIN neuropathy from other pathologies using MRN.
• To establish MRN as a diagnostic tool for peripheral nerve pathologies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of patients with suspected PIN neuropathy compared to a control group.
• Two blinded radiologists assessed MRN examinations for nerve, muscle, and tendon pathology.
• Statistical analysis included t-tests and chi-square tests to compare groups.

Main Results:

• MRN revealed abnormal T2-weighted hyperintensity in the PIN and innervated muscles in the study group.
• Enlargement of the PIN and radial nerve proper was observed in patients with suspected PIN neuropathy.
• Significant differences in MRN findings were noted between the suspected PIN neuropathy cohort and the control group.

Conclusions:

• MRN effectively identifies imaging characteristics indicative of PIN neuropathy.
• Further research is needed to determine the prognostic value of MRN findings for treatment decisions.
• MRN aids in differentiating PIN neuropathy from other causes of lateral elbow pain.