title: Traumatic neuropathies: spectrum of imaging findings and postoperative assessment.
abstract: Traumatic injury to peripheral nerves is a significant cause of morbidity and disability. Until reinnervation occurs, electrodiagnostic studies cannot differentiate severe axonotmetic lesions (Sunderland class 4) from complete nerve transection or neurotmesis (Sunderland class 5). This limitation is relevant clinically because in cases of neurotmesis an improved outcome may be achieved with an early surgical repair (within 1 week after trauma). High-resolution ultrasound (US) is an efficient modality to visualize injured nerves and is becoming increasingly important among radiologists and surgeons. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is complementary to high-resolution US, especially in evaluating deep-seated and proximal nerve segments. This article describes the imaging features of traumatic peripheral nerve lesions. The role of diagnostic imaging in stretching injuries, contusion trauma, penetrating wounds, and after surgery is discussed. A multimodality diagnostic approach including physical examination, electrophysiology, and US and MR imaging allows an accurate evaluation of most peripheral nerves. Imaging assessment of peripheral nerves trauma is useful for the diagnosis, follow-up, and postoperative evaluation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, National Institute for Cancer Research, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genoa, Italy. atagliafico@sirm.org
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tagliafico
authors.forename: Luisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Altafini
authors.forename: Isabella
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Garello
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marchetti
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gennaro
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Martinoli
mesh_terms: D003288:Contusions / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery