Predicting median nerve depth from anthropometric features: A tool for safer invasive procedures

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Medical Imaging
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Accurate localization of the median nerve (MN) is critical for invasive procedures to prevent complications.
• This study focused on developing predictive models for MN depth using anthropometric features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop predictive models for median nerve depth based on anthropometric measurements.
• To identify key predictors of median nerve depth for improved clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional observational study involving 53 healthy adults.
• Collected sociodemographic and anthropometric data (height, weight, BMI, forearm circumference).
• Utilized ultrasound to measure MN depth and employed hierarchical linear regression for analysis.

Main Results:

• Mid-forearm circumference was identified as a significant predictor of MN depth, explaining up to 95.2% of the variance.
• Men exhibited significantly greater height, weight, and forearm circumference than women.
• Models for nerve-to-artery distance showed limited predictive power (R² = 0.164).

Conclusions:

• Mid-forearm circumference is a robust and easily accessible predictor of median nerve depth.
• The developed models can assist clinicians in estimating optimal needle depth during ultrasound-guided interventions.
• This approach may contribute to a reduction in the incidence of nerve injury.