title: MR neurography: diagnostic utility in the surgical treatment of peripheral nerve disorders.
abstract: Advances in MR imaging have improved the visualization of normal and pathologic peripheral nerve structures in various clinical settings. Peripheral nerve imaging has the potential to dramatically change the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral nerve pathology and lead to an improved understanding of peripheral nerve pathophysiology. Currently, MR imaging serves as a problem-solving tool when additional anatomic information is needed to clarify ambiguous electrodiagnostic and clinical examinations. The next major advance in MR imaging of peripheral nerves will likely be the transition from anatomic to physiologic imaging with higher resolution as better phased-array surface coils and higher-field-strength magnets become available. Finally, MR neurography should remain complementary to the clinical examination and electrodiagnostic studies in the evaluation of peripheral nerve disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356470, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
authors.forename: Gerald A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Grant
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Goodkin
authors.forename: Kenneth R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Maravilla
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kliot
mesh_terms: D004568:Electrodiagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D010808:Physical Examination; D013127:Spinal Nerves / Q000473:pathology