Nerves and neuropathies of the upper limb

Abstract

Peripheral neuropathies are very common in the general population. The diagnosis and management is frequently challenging, partly because of limitations of established diagnostic methods, especially in terms of anatomical detail and examination flexibility. This frequently leaves patients with significant diagnostic delay, associated morbidity and unnecessary or excessive surgical intervention. High-Resolution ultrasound (HRUS) is an evolving technique that has been shown to provide excellent information about anatomy and pathology of peripheral nerves, is highly flexible, bedside and therefore an ideal addition to the diagnostic toolkit in peripheral neuropathy patients. It gives the examiner the possibility for direct patient interaction and dynamic examination technique, two techniques especially crucial for examining extremity nerves. At the same time it is easy to learn and highly rewarding. This presentation is meant as an introduction to upper limb nerve ultrasound, giving you an overview of upper limb nerve anatomy from an ultrasound perspective, basic examination technique and common pathology of upper limb nerves, using instructive cases and illustrations.