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The elbow: MR features of nerve disorders
Z S Rosenberg1, J Beltran, Y Y Cheung
1Department of Radiology, Hospital for Joint Diseases/Orthopaedic Institute, New York, NY 10003.
Radiology
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can detect elbow nerve disorders, including ulnar, median, and radial nerve abnormalities. This imaging technique shows potential for guiding diagnosis and treatment of these neurologic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Nerve disorders of the elbow can present with varied symptoms.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment planning.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging offers detailed visualization of soft tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of MR imaging in diagnosing elbow nerve disorders.
- To identify characteristic MR findings associated with specific nerve pathologies.
- To assess the correlation between MR findings and clinical symptoms/surgical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 15 MR studies of elbows with confirmed nerve disorders.
- Inclusion of 55 MR elbow studies and 10 studies of healthy volunteers.
- Analysis of MR images for nerve thickening, signal intensity changes, and displacement.
Main Results:
- Ulnar nerve disorders were most common (11 cases), followed by median (3) and radial (1) nerve issues.
- Detected abnormalities included nerve thickening, increased T2 signal intensity, and displacement.
- Neurologic symptoms correlated with MR findings in most cases (6/7 thickening, 2/2 signal intensity, 5/8 displacement).
- Surgical outcomes confirmed MR findings in four patients.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging is a valuable tool for detecting elbow nerve disorders.
- MR findings correlate well with clinical presentation and surgical confirmation.
- MR imaging shows potential for guiding treatment decisions in elbow neuropathy.