Nerve Compression Research Articles

Role of ultrasound and magnetic resonance neurography in the detection of median nerve abnormalities in carpal tunnel syndrome

BackgroundThe most prevalent cause of peripheral nerve entrapment is carpal tunnel syndrome, which is characterized by compression of the median nerve at the wrist as a result of nearby or localized microvascular interference as well as structural alterations to the median nerve or adjacent tissues. However, no special information regarding the median nerve or its surroundings is provided by clinical examination or electrophysiological testing. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) and ultrasound in identifying changes and abnormalities of the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome.MethodsThe twenty-five patients in this study ranged in age from 27 to 63 years old, with a mean age of 47. There were 18 female patients and seven male patients. All patients were sent to the radiology department from the orthopedics, neurology, outpatient clinic, and neurology department, at Ain Shams Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University. All of the patients had clinically manifested pain along the median nerve distribution, each of the sixteen patients had hand paresthesia, and four had thenar muscle atrophy.ResultsIn the current study, Ultrasound exhibits low negative predictive value of 67% and specificity of 67%, but high positive predictive value of 95%, sensitivity of 95%, and overall accuracy of 92%. On the other hand, (MRN) exhibits a low negative predictive value of 60% and a high specificity of 75% in the diagnosis of nerve entrapment, but it also displays a high positive predictive value of 95%, sensitivity of 90%, and overall accuracy of 88%. Regarding the assessment of the recurrence cause and post-surgical evaluation is more reliable by Magnetic Resonance Neurography examination.ConclusionsMagnetic resonance neurography and high-resolution ultrasonography can be utilized to diagnose patients with median nerve entrapment and patients who cannot be diagnosed electrophysiologically.MRN is a more accurate method for detecting the exact location of nerve entrapment and evaluating nerve recovery after surgical intervention than nerve conduction studies and electromyography. Additionally, MRN can be used to identify causes that were not previously recognized based on physical examination and electrophysiological tests.

Vestibular paroxysmia caused by a subarcuate artery: illustrative case.

Vestibular paroxysmia is defined by spontaneous, recurrent, short, paroxysmal episodes of vertigo. The authors present a case of vestibular paroxysmia caused by neurovascular compression of the vestibulocochlear nerve due to the subarcuate artery, which was successfully treated with microvascular decompression. A 46-year-old man first experienced vertigo attacks 5 years earlier. The attacks became more frequent, and left-sided tinnitus developed over the past 4 months, prompting a referral to our hospital. Carbamazepine treatment alleviated symptoms but had to be discontinued due to rash. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and angiography revealed that the left anterior inferior cerebellar artery was pressing on the cisternal segment of the left vestibulocochlear nerve. The authors diagnosed vestibular paroxysmia caused by neurovascular compression and performed microvascular decompression. During the operation, a subarcuate artery was identified as the offending vessel, with a prominent indentation on the vestibulocochlear nerve. The vertigo was completely relieved following surgery. Neurovascular compression of the vestibulocochlear nerve by the subarcuate artery can result in vestibular paroxysmia. https://thejns.org/doi/abs/10.3171/CASE24239.

A systematic review of steroid use in peripheral nerve pathologies and treatment.

The use of corticosteroids has become a part of the standard of care in various pathologies but their use in peripheral nerve injury treatment is limited. Given corticosteroids' anti-inflammatory properties and their regulatory role in neuronal protein production and myelination, corticosteroids could serve as an adjunct therapy for peripheral nerve injuries. This review aims to systematically investigate the current use of corticosteroid treatment in peripheral nerve pathologies. The systematic search was performed on PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science using keywords such as "corticosteroid treatment," "peripheral nerve damage," "peripheral neuropathy," and "complications." The PRISMA guidelines were used to conduct the systematic review and all articles were reviewed by the corresponding author. After the initial search, individual study titles and abstracts were further screened and categorized using an inclusion and exclusion criteria followed by a final full-text review. Out of the total 27,922 identified records, 203 studies were included based on the selection criteria. These studies focused on the use and efficacy of steroids across a spectrum of compression and non-compression peripheral neuropathies such as cubital tunnel syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Various studies noted the promising role of steroids in offering pain relief, nerve block, and nerve regeneration effects. Additionally, safety considerations and potential complications regarding steroid use in peripheral nerve injuries were analyzed. While there is currently limited clinical utilization of corticosteroids in peripheral nerve pathologies, the anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects that steroids provide may be a beneficial tool in managing various peripheral neuropathies and their associated pain. Additional clinical trials and investigation into the mechanism of action could improve the reputation of steroid use as peripheral nerve injury treatment.

Ultrasound Diagnosis of Upper Extremity Peripheral Entrapment Neuropathies: A Narrative Review.

» Diagnostic ultrasound evaluation has become an important adjunct to electrodiagnostic studies in the diagnosis of upper extremity entrapment neuropathy. » For the common median and ulnar entrapment neuropathies, published normative values for nerve cross-sectional area at the wrist and elbow have demonstrated a high degree of diagnostic validity of diagnostic ultrasound. » Expert consensus on best practice for the clinical use of these reference is lacking and should be a logical next step in the deployment of ultrasound for upper extremity neuropathy evaluation.

Nerve compression after opponensplasty: a cadaveric study

Background: We describe the differences in thumb opposition between different opponensplasty tendon transfers and determine the immediate pressure on the median and ulnar nerves incurred by each transfer. Methods: Using fresh frozen cadavers (8 specimens), opponensplasties were performed using extensor indicis proprius (EIP), flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) with flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) pulley, palmaris longus (PL, Camitz procedure), and PL utilizing the thenar fascia as a pulley (PLwP). Each tendon transfer was tensioned, and the thumb flexion, abduction and pronation were measured. The pressure on the median and ulnar nerves were measured for each tendon transfer at varying tensions. Results: There were no differences seen in flexion or pronation between any of the four tendon transfers. FDS, PL and PLwP demonstrated more abduction than the EIP transfer, however differences were less than 10°. EIP and FDS transfers caused significantly more pressure on the median nerve than PL or PLwP at high tendon tensions. Both EIP and FDS tendon transfers caused significantly more pressure on the ulnar nerve than PL or PLwP, and the pressure increased as tension on the transfer increased. No pressure differences were seen between PL and PLwP. Conclusions: No significant differences were seen in thumb flexion or pronation between the four tendon transfers. Differences were seen for abduction with EIP showing the least amount of abduction. EIP and FDS caused more median nerve compression than PL transfers at high tension. Both EIP and FDS tendon transfers cause more ulnar nerve compression than PL transfers at all tensions. Level of Evidence Level: V

Ultrasound-Guided Perineural Dextrose Injection for Superior Cluneal Nerve Neuropathy Treatment.

Superior cluneal nerve (SCS) entrapment neuropathy is an often overlooked cause of low back pain. Nerve block is usually applied to the sensitive point on the iliac crest where Tinel positivity is detected, with a mixture of a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic. Dextrose injection is one of the treatment methods. There are not enough studies comparing the effectiveness of dextrose and steroid injections. In this study, it was planned to compare these two methods. This retrospective study included 16 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided steroid injection and 17 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided dextrose injection with the diagnosis of SCS neuropathy at Elazığ Fethi Sekin City Hospital Polyclinics between 01.09.2023 and 28.03.2024. Patients were evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS) and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) scores before and after the procedure at week 1 Results: While VAS and RMDQ scores were similar in both groups before the procedure, VAS and RMDQ scores at week 1 were significantly lower in the dextrose group. Perineural dextrose injection appears to be a safe and effective alternative to steroid injections in the treatment of SCS neuropathy.

When Numbness and Tingling Play a Role—Sexual Function in Compressive Neuropathy

When Numbness and Tingling Play a Role—Sexual Function in Compressive Neuropathy

Challenges of Imaging the Greater Occipital Nerve Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Migraine headaches are a significant global health concern, frequently managed with varying levels of success. Compression of the greater occipital nerve (GON) is hypothesized to contribute to pathology in some migraine patients, making extracranial nerve decompression surgery a potential intervention for refractory cases. However, accurate methods to image the GON along its tortuous course still need to be explored. Our group has developed magnetic resonance imaging sequences to track the GON. Yet, many challenges were met, which included navigating the GON's complex anatomy, understanding anatomical variants, and designing advanced magnetic resonance imaging sequences and coils to image the posterior scalp. Addressing these hurdles is vital to capture and understand GON pathology and guide potential interventions.

Microvascular Decompression for Oculomotor Nerve Palsy Due to Nonaneurysmal Neurovaslur Conflict: 5 Cases Report and Literature Review

BackgroundOculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) is frequently caused by aneurysm compression and diabetes mellitus. However, non-aneurysmal compression (nAVC) of the oculomotor nerve is a condition rarely reported in the literature. Cases treated with microvascular decompression (MVD) for nAVC-induced ONP (nAVC-ONP) are exceptionally rare. MethodsBetween October 2022 and October 2023, we performed MVD surgery on five patients diagnosed with nAVC-ONP. The clinical symptoms, imaging characteristics, and intraoperative findings of these patients were reviewed and analyzed using a self-developed evaluation scale (S-T Evaluation Scale) to guide diagnosis and corresponding treatment plans. ResultsAll patients underwent MVDs and demonstrated favorable recovery and a good prognosis. No postoperative complications occurred in any of the patients. The superior cerebellar artery (SCA) and posterior cerebral artery (PCA) were common offending vessels in these cases. ConclusionNeurovascular conflict has been proposed as another possible cause of ONP in a limited number of cases. Based on our findings, MVD is a potentially effective solution for patients experiencing oculomotor nerve palsy resulting from non-aneurysmal neurovascular conflicts. It holds great promise for significantly alleviating symptoms and improving overall quality of life..

Are Peripapillary Hyperreflective Ovoid Mass-like Structures with an Elevated Optic Disc Still a Diagnosis Dilemma?

ObjectiveTo identify clinical characteristics that would help make or rule out the diagnosis of Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in patients referred for papilledema (PE) with peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structures (PHOMS) DesignA retrospective cohort study SubjectsAll patient referred for PE excluding PE with Frisén grade ≥ 3, optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy, compressive optic neuropathy. Patients were divided into 2 groups:Group1= isolated PHOMSGroup2= PHOMS associated with IIH MethodsWe analyzed the location of PHOMS based on OCT-EDI and calculated their volume Main outcome MeasuresP RNFL,GCC, PHOMS’ volume Results154 patients (308 eyes) were included, mean age was 29 with female predominance (78%). PHOMS were associated to these etiologies : IIH(38.3%) isolated (35.7%), posterior uveitis (11%),optic disc drusen (ODD)(10%), and tilted optic disc (5%). An MRI was obtained in 83.1% of cases. More than half of the MRIs were interpreted as consistent with IIH. However, only 39.7% of these patients had confirmed IIH with 44.5% of sensitivity and 55.5% of sensibility. PHOMS were overrepresented in the nasal region (95.5%).The location of PHOMS in the superior and/ or inferior quadrant was significantly associated to IIH or optic dusc drusen, while their presence in the temporal or nasal sector was strongly associated to isolated lesions. PHOMS mean and median volume were 1.66 μm3 and 1.50 μm3 respectively. There was a significant difference in PHOMS volume with higher volume in IIH patients (p=0.0037). Follow up of these patients at 3 and 6 months demonstrated no significant changes in visual function, as per visual field mean deviation, and visual acuity measurements as well as Ganglion cell layer (GCL).Mean pRNFL, showed a decrease of -4.225 μm at 3 months and of –6.489 μm at 6 months, when compared to initial measurement independing of the etiology. ConclusionIsolated PHOMS should be considered as a distinct entity. In asymptomatic patients, PHOMS should be carefully studied. Nasal or temporal location, small volume, stable aspect over the course of weeks or months, are so suggestive of this entity. This strategy would considerably reduce the impact on patients’ anxiety and morbidity.

Osteopathic Approach to Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy-related Sciatic Nerve Entrapment (PHTrSNE): Case Report

Abstract Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy (PHT) provides a challenging diagnosis for clinicians due to limited evidence-based research. Presenting as chronic pain originating at the ischial tuberosity, PHT can progress to entrap the sciatic nerve, resulting in proximal hamstring tendinopathy-related sciatic nerve entrapment (PHTrSNE). This case expands the understanding of PHT by describing the osteopathic assessment and treatment of a runner with PHTrSNE. A 24-year-old female marathoner presented to the neurology clinic with a unique running gait: a left leg circumduction, or “leg whip,” that presented only when running. She also reported constantly dull hamstring pain, which occasionally elicited a sharp, shooting pain from her lower gluteal muscles to mid-hamstrings. Activities such as prolonged sitting and intense running exacerbated the sharp pain. On examination, the patient displayed ischial tuberosity tenderness and positive tests for hamstring tendinopathy. Evaluation with EMG/NCS showed mild chronic denervation of the left tibialis anterior muscle. A treatment plan for the patient’s PHTrSNE was created based on the principles of the neurological model of osteopathic medicine. Patients presenting with chronic hamstring discomfort accompanied by sharp, shooting pain may benefit from the diagnostic and therapeutic approach outlined in this study.

Exogenous NT-3 Promotes Phenotype Switch of Resident Macrophages and Improves Sciatic Nerve Injury through AMPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) is an important family of neurotrophic factors with extensive neurotrophic activity, which can maintain the survival and regeneration of nerve cells. However, the mechanism of NT-3 on macrophage phenotype transformation after sciatic nerve injury is not clear. In this study, we constructed a scientific nerve compression injury animal model and administered different doses of NT-3 treatment through osmotic minipump. 7 days after surgery, we collected sciatic nerve tissue and observed the distribution of macrophage phenotype through iNOS and CD206 immunofluorescence. During the experiment, regular postoperative observations were conducted on rats. After the experiment, sciatic nerve tissue was collected for HE staining, myelin staining, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot analysis. To verify the role of the AMPK/NF-κB pathway, we applied the AMPK inhibitor Compound C and the NF-κB inhibitor BAY11-7082 to repeat the above experiment. Our experimental results reveal that NT-3 promotes sciatic nerve injury repair and polarization of M2 macrophage phenotype, promotes AMPK activation, and inhibits NF-κB activation. The repair effect of high concentration NT-3 on sciatic nerve injury is significantly enhanced compared to low concentration. Compound C administration can weaken the effect of NT-3, while BAY 11-7082 can enhance the effect of NT-3. In short, NT-3 significantly improves sciatic nerve injury in rats, promotes sciatic nerve function repair, accelerates M2 macrophage phenotype polarization, and improves neuroinflammatory response. The protective effects of NT-3 mentioned above are partially related to the AMPK/NF-κB signal axis.

Sinus surprise: The rare encounter of frontal mucocele with optic nerve compression

Mucoceles are epithelial-lined cavities filled with sterile mucus that develop due to the obstruction of a sinus ostium. Frontal mucocele is one of the most common among mucoceles. Most of them present with ophthalmic manifestations. Here, we present such a case with ocular symptoms. Despite the absence of thyroid-related symptoms or significant medical history, her examination revealed left eye proptosis, limited ocular motility, optic disc edema, and significant visual loss due to optic nerve compression. Further investigations, including orbital computed tomography, confirmed a frontal mucocele extending into the left orbit. Following endoscopic sinus surgery with mucocele excision, the patient experienced significant improvement in vision, resolution of optic disc edema, and proptosis. This case underscores the importance of considering mucoceles in the differential diagnosis of orbital pathologies. It also highlights the efficacy of endoscopic management in achieving favorable outcomes and emphasizes the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in optimizing patient care.

Clinical implications of linking microstructure, spatial biochemical, spatial biomechanical, and radiological features in ligamentum flavum degeneration.

The ligamentum flavum (LF) degeneration is a critical factor in spinal stenosis, leading to nerve compression and pain. Even with new treatment options becoming available, it is vital to have a better understanding of LF degeneration to ensure the effectiveness of these treatments. This study aimed to provide insight into LF degeneration by examining the connections between various aspects of LF degeneration, including histology, microstructure, chemical composition, and biomechanics. We analyzed 30 LF samples from 27 patients with lumbar vertebrae, employing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to link lumbar disc degeneration grades with fibrosis levels in the tissue. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis assessed microstructural alterations in the LF matrix component due to degeneration progression. Instrumented nanoindentation combined with Raman spectroscopy explored the spatial microbiomechanical and biochemical characteristics of the LF's ventral and dorsal regions. Our outcomes revealed a clear association between the severity of LF fibrosis grades and increasing LF thickness. XRD analysis showed a rise in crystalline components and hydroxyapatite molecules with progressing degeneration. Raman spectroscopy detected changes in the ratio of phosphate, proteoglycan, and proline/hydroxyproline over the amide I band, indicating alterations in the extracellular matrix composition. Biomechanical testing demonstrated that LF tissue becomes stiffer and less extensible with increasing fibrosis. Notably, the micro-spatial assessment revealed the dorsal side of the LF experiencing more significant mechanical stress, alongside more pronounced biochemical and biomechanical changes compared to the ventral side. Degeneration of the LF involves complex processes that affect tissue histology, chemical composition, and biomechanics. It is crucial to fully understand these changes to develop new and effective treatments for spinal stenosis. These findings can improve diagnostic accuracy, identify potential biomarkers and treatment targets, guide personalized treatment strategies, advance tissue engineering approaches, help make informed clinical decisions, and educate patients about LF degeneration.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells-derived conditioned medium: An In-depth Analysis of Pain Alleviation, Spinal CCL2 Levels, and Oxidative Stress.

Neuropathic pain, a debilitating condition, remains a significant challenge due to the lack of effective therapeutic solutions. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-derived conditioned medium in alleviating neuropathic pain induced by sciatic nerve compression injury in adult male rats. Forty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control, nerve injury, nerve injury with intra-neural injection of conditioned medium, and nerve injury with intra-neural injection of culture medium. Following sciatic nerve compression, the respective groups received either 10 µl of conditioned medium from amniotic fluid-derived stem cells or an equal volume of control culture medium. Behavioral tests for cold allodynia, mechanical allodynia, and thermal hyperalgesia were conducted, and the spinal cord was analyzed using Western Blot and oxidative stress assays. The behavioral experiments showed a decrease in mechanical hyperalgesia and cold allodynia in the group receiving conditioned medium compared to the injury group and the control medium group. Western blot data revealed a decrease in the expression of the CCL2 protein and an increase in GAD65. Oxidative stress tests also showed increased levels of SOD and glutathione in conditioned media-treated animals compared to animals with nerve injury. The findings suggest that conditioned medium derived from amniotic fluid-derived stem cells can effectively reduce neuropathic pain, potentially through the provision of supportive factors that mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation in the spinal cord.

The role of the exhaustion test in lacertus syndrome

BackgroundLacertus syndrome involves dynamic median nerve compression by the lacertus fibrosus, leading to sensory symptoms and loss of strength. Prevalence in the general population is unclear. ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of lacertus syndrome in the Belgian population and to evaluate the effectiveness of the exhaustion test combined with the scratch collapse test. MethodsIn a cross-sectional study from May 2023 to February 2024, 362 healthy individuals, aged 18 to 86 years underwent clinical examinations, including the scratch-collapse test and exhaustion test, to assess signs of lacertus syndrome. Results11.3% of participants (95% CI: 8.2–15.1%) reported discomfort on lacertus fibrosus palpation.The scratch-collapse test at the lacertus fibrosus was positive in 7.2% of cases (95% CI: 4.8–10.4%), increasing to 25.7% (95% CI: 21.3–30.5%, p < 0.001) following the exhaustion test. There were no significant differences in gender, occupation, or hand dominance (all p > 0.05). Hagert’s clinical triad and positive scratch-collapse test over the lacertus fibrosus were found in 2.21% (95% CI: 1.0–4.2%) of this general population after the exhaustion test. ConclusionThe prevalence of lacertus syndrome was 2.21% after the exhaustion test, and 0.83% before. The exhaustion test led to significant conversion of negative to positive scratch-collapse test from 7.2% to 25.7%.The exhaustion test enhanced the scratch-collapse test’s diagnostic accuracy, revealing a spectrum of lacertus syndrome symptoms, from unnoticed mild cases to severe manifestations, and confirmed the importance of Hagert's clinical triad in diagnosing lacertus syndrome.

Compression Neuropathy Caused by Pelvic Lymphocele after Laparoscopic Surgical Staging

Compression Neuropathy Caused by Pelvic Lymphocele after Laparoscopic Surgical Staging

Ultrasound Guided Hydrodissection of Median Nerve with the Use of 5% Dextrose in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Case Report

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an entrapment neuropathy of median nerve in wrist presenting with symptoms like pain, numbness, and paresthesia in hand and lateral three fingers. Conservative treatments are effective for mild to moderate cases, whereas severe or refractory carpal tunnel syndrome may require surgical intervention. Hydrodissection, a technique involving the separation of the nerve from surrounding tissues, has emerged as a minimally invasive and effective treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome, leading to faster recovery and lower complication.In this case report, a 48 years female with two years history of severe pain and paresthesia in right hand, underwent ultrasound-guided hydrodissection of median nerve with 5% dextrose. Following intervention, the patient reported decreased symptoms and expressed satisfaction with the treatment during subsequent follow-up after 2 weeks. Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection of median nerve with 5% dextrose is effective treatment modality for patients with failed conservative management of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Rare entrapment neuropathies of the lower extremity: A narrative review.

Lower limb entrapment neuropathies comprise a wide range of disorders, including less common conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome, Morton neuroma, obturator nerve entrapment syndrome, superior gluteal nerve entrapment, and cluneal nerve entrapment syndrome. Despite being less prevalent, these syndromes are equally significant, presenting with symptoms such as pain, dysesthesia, muscular weakness, and distinct physical signs. Accurate diagnosis of these less common disorders is crucial for successful therapy and patient recovery, as they can sometimes be mistaken for lumbar plexopathies, radiculopathies, or musculotendinous diseases. This narrative review highlights the significance of identifying and diagnosing these particular neuropathies through a comprehensive assessment of the patient's medical history, detailed physical examination, and the use of electrodiagnostic and/or ultrasound investigations. When the diagnosis is uncertain, advanced imaging techniques like magnetic resonance neurography or magnetic resonance imaging are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. A positive diagnosis ensures prompt and targeted treatments, preventing further nerve impairments and muscle wasting. This article explores the epidemiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, etiology, clinical presentation, and electrodiagnostic interpretation of lower limb entrapment neuropathies, highlighting the importance of precise diagnosis in achieving favorable patient outcomes.

A rare case of proximal arm neurofibroma causing ulnar nerve compression: successful surgical intervention and recovery

A rare case of proximal arm neurofibroma causing ulnar nerve compression: successful surgical intervention and recovery