Cross-sectional area and echo intensity values of peripheral nerves: Ultrasonographic and cadaveric correlation.

Abstract

Ultrasonography allows high-resolution visualisation of the peripheral nerves for quantitative and qualitative analyses. We report cross-sectional area values (quantitative measure) and echo intensity values (qualitative measure) for 46 peripheral nerve sites in upper and lower extremities in cadaveric specimens. To determine cross-sectional area values and echo intensity values of peripheral nerves of upper and lower extremities at 46 nerve sites. Nerve measurements were obtained using electronic callipers and ultrasonography for linear dimension and cross-sectional area measurements, respectively, in six cadaveric specimens for 46 peripheral nerve sites. Ultrasound images were further analysed to estimate echo intensity percentage values for 46 nerves. We present normal cross-sectional area values of various nerves of upper and lower extremities with their respective echo intensity values. Calculated cross-sectional area values from linear dimensions did not match the measured cross-sectional area values via trace method. Cross-sectional area values (quantitative measure) and echo intensity values (qualitative measure) for 46 peripheral nerve sites in upper and lower extremities in cadaveric specimens are presented. The estimation of cross-sectional area via linear measurement is not a good approximation of the cross-sectional area (cross-sectional area measured by trace method on ultrasound image).