High-resolution sonography of lower extremity peripheral nerves: anatomic correlation and spectrum of disease.
OBJECTIVE
The value of sonography for the diagnosis of diseases of the peripheral nervous system is only little known. This image presentation is intended to raise the awareness of sonographers and clinicians of the potential of sonography by giving an anatomic-sonographic correlation of lower extremity peripheral nerves and an overview of commonly encountered diseases.


METHODS
On 2 lower extremity cadaver specimens, peripheral nerves were imaged in typical locations such as the tarsal tunnel. During sonography the nerve was injected with blue dye, and thin-slice anatomic sections were obtained at the scan level with a chain saw. In addition, sonographic images of patients with typical diseases are shown.


RESULTS
An excellent anatomic-sonographic correlation was obtained, which underlines the feasibility of sonography for imaging of lower extremity peripheral nerves. Reliable results may be obtained with sonography of typical disease processes of lower extremity peripheral nerves.


CONCLUSIONS
Recent developments in sonographic technology such as the introduction of high-frequency linear array transducers, compound imaging, and extended field-of-view imaging strongly improve the applicability of transcutaneous sonography for the examination of peripheral nerve disease.
Peer
Siegfried
S
Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Innsbruck, Austria.
Kovacs
Peter
P
Harpf
Christoph
C
Bodner
Gerd
G
D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000294:innervation*; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography