The Use of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound for Diagnosis of Peripheral Nerve Compression Syndromes

Abstract

Musculoskeletal ultrasound has emerged as a reasonable alternative to electrodiagnostic studies in the diagnostic work-up of carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and other peripheral nerve compression syndromes. Chronic nerve compression results in nerve edema, which can be measured using ultrasound and reported as increased cross-sectional area. If the cross-sectional area exceeds predetermined cutoffs, a diagnosis can be made. The purpose of this review was to summarize the literature regarding the use of ultrasound for the diagnosis of peripheral nerve compression syndromes.