Rapid ultrasonographic diagnosis of radial entrapment neuropathy at the spiral groove

BackgroundEntrapment neuropathy of the radial nerve at the spiral groove region is relatively common. However, its localization may be technically challenging.ObjectiveTo evaluate the use of ultrasound (US), in relation to electrophysiological testing, for this purpose.MethodsWe studied 32 normal controls to obtain US parameters of the radial nerve. In addition, 10 patients with suspected radial neuropathy were tested using US and electrophysiological techniques.ResultsUS examination correctly identified all 6 patients with radial neuropathy. The other 4 patients with alternate diagnoses did not show US abnormalities exceeding that of normal controls. US examination required a significantly shorter time than electrophysiological testing.ConclusionsUS is of value as a rapid diagnostic adjunct for the localization of radial nerve entrapment.