Introduction : We measured the total length of the ulnar nerve in healthy subjects, and investigated the cross-sectional area and its visualization at multiple sites. We also investigated patients with suspected ulnar nerve disorders.
Subjects: We selected 31 healthy subjects (62 arms, 16 males, 15 females) and 11 patients with ulnar nerve disorders (12 arms, 5 males, 6 females), comprising ulnar neuropathy at the joint (6 arms), cubital tunnel syndrome after surgery (2 arms), ulnar neuropathy proximal to the elbow (1 arm), and ulnar nerve subluxation (3 arms).
Methods: (1) In the healthy subjects, the ulnar nerve cross-sectional area was measured at 7 sites from wrist joint to axilla. The honeycomb structure of the ulnar nerve cross-sections was classified into patterns. (2) In the ulnar nerve disorder group, ① thickening, ② decreased echogenicity, and ③ an indistinct honeycomb structure were investigated.
Results: (1) In the healthy subjects, a positive correlation was observed between the cross-sectional area and height or body weight at 1 site each. Pattern I honeycomb structure was frequent at the wrist and the arterial bifurcation, while patterns V and VI were common from the medial epicondyle to the axilla. (2) Thickening and an indistinct honeycomb structure were observed near the medial epicondyle in all 6 subjects with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow, and decreased echogenicity, was observed in 5 subjects.
Conclusion: We measured the ulnar nerve cross-sectional area in healthy subjects, classified the cross-sectional patterns, and investigated the features of ulnar nerve disorders. The results may be used as a reference for evaluating ulnar nerve thickening. Along with neurophysiological testing, Ultrasonography is useful for diagnosis and follow-up.

抄録全体を表示