The role of high-resolution ultrasound in the diagnosis of a traumatic neuroma in an injured median nerve.
Since the development of high-resolution ultrasound, its role in the diagnosis of peripheral nerve lesions has steadily increased. We present the case of a 42-yr-old woman who experienced consistent numbness over the left hand and fingers after cutting the wrist in a suicide attempt and subsequent tendon and median nerve repair and a period of rehabilitation. Electrodiagnostic testing was normal, but high-resolution ultrasound demonstrated hypoechoic, focal swelling in the region of the median nerve consistent with a neuroma. Neuroma was confirmed at surgery, and after excision of the neuroma, nerve repair with a nerve graft was performed. Postoperatively, the patient's symptoms improved significantly. This case suggests that high-resolution ultrasound may be superior to electrodiagnostic studies for the diagnosis of traumatic neuroma.
Chen
Kai-Hua
KH
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Lee
Kam-Fai
KF
Hsu
Hung-Chih
HC
Huang
Wei-Chao
WC
Hsiao
Kuang-Yu
KY
Fang
Kuan-Ming
KM
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000209:etiology; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D020423:Median Neuropathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D017169:Neoplasms, Post-Traumatic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D009463:Neuroma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D020127:Recovery of Function; D014463:Ultrasonography