title: High-resolution ultrasound visualization of the subcutaneous nerves of the forearm: a feasibility study in anatomic specimens.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this ultrasound-anatomical study was to evaluate the ability of high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) to visualize and infiltrate small subcutaneous nerves of the forearm in anatomic specimens.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven nonembalmed human bodies (4 men, 3 women; mean age at death, 60 years) were included in the study. Two investigators scanned the anatomic specimens using 15-MHz and 18-MHz HRUS transducers. The lateral, medial, and posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerves were scanned and interventionally marked with ink using HRUS-guidance. Subsequently, dissections were performed to assess the anatomical correlation of HRUS findings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All 3 nerves were identified consistently using HRUS. The precision of the ink-markings was excellent, with good correlation with the small peripheral branches of all 3 nerves.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HRUS can identify precisely the small subcutaneous nerves of the forearm and may aid in both diagnosis and therapy in cases of neuropathy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna, 1090, Austria.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Moritz
authors.forename: Helmut
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Prosch
authors.forename: Christopher H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Pivec
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sachs
authors.forename: Michael L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Pretterklieber
authors.forename: Lukas
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kriechbaumer
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Happak
authors.forename: Gerd
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bodner
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000294:innervation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods
keywords: cutaneous nerves; high-resolution ultrasound; interventional ultrasound; nerve ultrasound; neuropathy; ultrasound