Diagnostic ultrasound for traumatic radial neuropathy.

The radial nerve is the most commonly injured nerve in cases of long-bone fracture.1 Traditionally, radial neuropathy following trauma is evaluated through a combination of history, examination, electrodiagnostic studies, and, in some cases, surgical exploration.2 Recent studies suggest that high-resolution ultrasound may be valuable in the pre-operative assessment of traumatic neuropathies.3-5 However, the benefit of dynamic ultrasound imaging (with movement of the arm in several positions) for traumatic radial nerve injury has not been described. We present a case in which dynamic high-resolution ultrasonography assisted in the diagnosis and treatment decision-making in an individual with a traumatic radial neuropathy. Cartwright MS, Yoon JS, Lee KH, Deal N, Walker FO. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2011 Apr;90(4):342-3. PMID: 20531154 PDF